MC Labour Division 2 is shaping up as a very even competition in 2026 and getting wins on the board early will be key.
Two of Division 2’s powerhouses from last season will go head-to-head in Round 1, with St Mary’s hosting Macleod in the NFNL’s Round 1 Match of the Day. This clash is the backdrop to a special cause close to the hearts of both clubs which will play for the inaugural Autism Awareness Cup.
Macleod will once again be led by club stalwart Darcy Barden, who will be looking to replicate his outstanding 2025 campaign where he booted 111 goals. While Barden is the focal point, he won’t have to do it alone, with Darcy Hogg, Mackenzie Hogg and Kurt Manuel all providing strong support and firepower around him.
St Mary’s, meanwhile, will be eager to take the next step after a finals exit last year. They receive a major boost this week with the inclusion of former AFL player Dom Akuei, adding experience and presence to their lineup. However, they’ll need more than just one big name, with captain Tane Cotter expected to lead from the front and set the tone early.
With both sides boasting plenty of talent and aiming to start their seasons strongly, this clash promises to be an exciting way to kick off Round 1.
Lower Plenty and Old Paradians open their 2026 campaigns with a clash that could prove important in shaping both sides’ seasons, as each looks to climb the ladder and break into finals contention.
After a mixed 2025, Lower Plenty will be keen to show early signs of improvement and consistency. Much of their attacking focus will again center around Riley Alexander, who has developed into a dangerous forward. While not imposing in size, Alexander’s strength lies in his smarts, positioning and ability to capitalise on opportunities. His knack for finding space inside 50 and converting chances makes him a player opposition defenders will need to keep a close eye on.
Beyond Alexander, Lower Plenty will be looking for a more even contribution across the ground. Improved midfield connection and cleaner ball movement going forward will be key areas of focus if they are to turn competitive performances into wins this season.
Old Paradians enter the year with similar ambitions and will be determined to start strongly. Led by captain Kyle O’Sullivan, the Paradians will rely on his leadership and consistency to set the tone. O’Sullivan’s ability to influence contests and drive standards around the ground makes him a crucial piece in their push towards finals.
The Paradians will also be aiming for greater cohesion and impact across all lines, with a focus on applying pressure and taking their chances when going forward. If they can match Lower Plenty around the contest and limit their scoring opportunities, they give themselves every chance to come away with the points.
With both teams hungry to improve and eager to make a statement in Round 1, this matchup shapes as a hard-fought and evenly balanced contest, where early momentum and execution could prove the difference.
Whittlesea hosts South Morang in Round 1 in what shapes as one of the standout clashes of the weekend, with both sides entering the season with high expectations.
Whittlesea were among the benchmark teams in Division 2 last year and will be determined to build on that strong foundation in 2026. With a well-balanced lineup and plenty of continuity, they’ll be looking to start the season with a statement performance on their home ground.
The Eagles have strengthened their midfield stocks with the addition of Bailey Robinson, the reigning Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 league best and fairest, whose ball-winning ability and composure should make an immediate impact. Alongside him, Mitchell Andrews will be looking to carry over his excellent 2025 form, providing drive and consistency through the middle.
South Morang, meanwhile, enters the contest with the clear goal of a quick return to Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 after relegation. Despite losing several players in the offseason, they still possess plenty of quality and experience across the ground.
A key figure will again be Joshua Lansfield, who proved he can perform at the top level with 44 goals last season. His presence inside 50 gives the Lions a reliable scoring option and a focal point in attack. They’ve also added Ethan Lowe from Watsonia, who was dominant last year and will be looking to seamlessly transition into his new side and provide an immediate impact.
With Whittlesea aiming to assert themselves as a premiership contender and South Morang desperate to bounce back and re-establish their Division 1 credentials, this clash has all the makings of a high-quality and fiercely contested encounter.
Fitzroy begins its stint in Division 2 with a trip to Northcote Park, stepping up after a successful 2025 campaign that saw them claim the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 premiership. Alongside fellow newcomers South Morang, Fitzroy will be determined to prove they belong at this level—but they face a tough first-up challenge against a finals-hardened Northcote Park outfit.
The Roys will lean heavily on the core group that delivered last year’s success. Captain Kain Proctor will once again set the standard with his leadership and consistency, while Ethan Penrith looms as another key figure capable of impacting the contest. Maintaining their strong team-first approach and intensity will be crucial as they adjust to the higher level of competition.
Northcote Park, meanwhile, comes into the season with the confidence of a side that featured in finals last year. They’ll be looking to build on that foundation and push even further in 2026, starting with a strong performance in this opening clash.
Up forward, Michael Amad will again be a major threat, providing a focal point and scoreboard presence for the Cougars. Through the middle and around the ground, Matt Perry’s leadership will be vital as he looks to guide his side and set the tone early in the season.
With Fitzroy eager to make an immediate impact in their return to Division 2 and Northcote Park aiming to reinforce their finals credentials, this matchup shapes as a competitive and intriguing contest to open the year.
Thomastown and Panton Hill will be looking to start 2026 in strong fashion after both being out of finals contention last year.
With the departure of Kyle Green in the offseason, the Bears will be relying on sharpshooter James Lucente in attack following a 2025 campaign which produced 37 goals. He’ll no doubt share the load with boom recruit Reuben William, who crosses from Keilor in the EDFL with a quality resume which includes both AFL and VFL experience.
For Panton Hill the turnover of players from last season has been significant, but with change comes opportunity and coach Simon Amore will no doubt be keen to see what his charges can produce first up in what is a winnable fixture.
Paul Vavlitis is a notable pick up for the Redbacks from Rushworth in the Kyabram District League, where he booted 33 goals from 18 games in 2025 and will provide some firepower forward of center. Joining Vavlitis is his former Rushworth teammate Luke Oakley, who was regularly among the best players for his former club last season and will no doubt add some quality to the Panton Hill line up.
