The remainder of Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 kicks off this weekend with four quality fixtures.
West Preston enters the new season looking to improve on a seventh-place finish in 2025, while Hurstbridge comes in with unfinished business after falling to Heidelberg in last year’s Grand Final.
The Bridges have been dealt a significant blow to their midfield, losing Carlton VFL talent William Cookson. However, they’ve responded by bringing in some serious reinforcements. VFL-listed Fraser Rosman is expected to feature, especially with a VFL bye this weekend, and Port Melbourne standout Tom Hird is also a strong chance to suit up, adding further quality to their lineup.
West Preston, meanwhile, will be under new leadership, with former Essendon premiership player Darren Bewick taking over as coach. The Roosters will be eager to take a step forward this season and have made some notable additions of their own. Port Melbourne VFL player Felix Dreher is expected to play in this clash, while recruits Nathan Ryan and Kobe Long arrive from Keilor and should prove valuable across the 2026 campaign.
With both sides boasting fresh faces and strong VFL connections, this matchup shapes as an exciting early-season contest.
Reigning premiers Heidelberg will begin their title defence with a trip to Shelley Park to face North Heidelberg, in what shapes as a good early test.
The Tigers have been active in the offseason, bolstering an already talented list with some major signings. Kai Dimattina arrives from Old Brighton and Port Melbourne, while Lachy Wilson joins the club full-time for the 2026 season. Alongside established names like Tom Keys, Heidelberg’s depth and class remain a major strength across the ground.
North Heidelberg, however, are never an easy opponent on their home deck. The Dogs boast talent across every line, though they will be adjusting to life without club stalwart Jesse Tardio. In response, they’ve recruited Max Yeoland, who is expected to provide spark both through the midfield and inside 50. They’ve also secured Bode Stevens, who is aligned with Sandringham and is likely to suit up this weekend, adding further depth and quality to their lineup.
With Heidelberg eager to make a statement to open their premiership defence and North Heidelberg keen to prove themselves against the competition benchmark, this clash looms as one of the must-see fixtures this weekend.
Bundoora will be aiming for significant improvement in 2026 after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, while Banyule enters the year determined to go deeper into finals after a straight sets exit in 2025.
The Bears have undergone a major list overhaul, gaining plenty of firepower but also farewelling some key contributors. Best and fairest winner Oscar White and third-place finisher Noah Wheeler headline the departures, leaving sizeable gaps to fill.
In response, Banyule has made a statement with both coaching and recruiting. Former Northern Bullants coach Rohan Welsh takes the reins, bringing experience and structure, while several high-quality players have followed. Midfield gun Jean-Luc Velissaris arrives after multiple standout seasons with the Bullants, including several Team of the Year selections, and former Bullants captain Liam Mackie adds further leadership and toughness around the contest.
The Bears’ recruiting drive doesn’t stop there. Former Carlton VFL player Oliver Poole adds pace and precision going inside 50, while key position talent Ryan Stobaus joins from Echuca United. Stobaus enjoyed a standout 2025 season, winning the club’s MVP and finishing as their leading goal kicker. His ability to impact at both ends of the ground makes him a crucial addition, and he’ll be looking to hit the scoreboard early in the season.
With Bundoora looking to rise and Banyule reloading with fresh talent and leadership, this will be a good test of where both sides are at.
Diamond Creek returns to Division 1 after a dominant 2025 campaign in Division 2, capped off by a commanding 107-point Grand Final victory. The Creekers will be eager to prove they belong at the top level, but they face an immediate challenge against powerhouse Montmorency.
Diamond Creek boasts talent across every line. Jacob Booth provides strength through the midfield, while Ewan Macpherson looms as a key target up forward. Reigning Division 2 best and fairest Taj Logan, who is aligned with Carlton VFL, offers class and runs on the wing, and captain Nathan Searl anchors the defence with leadership and composure.
Montmorency remains one of the competition’s benchmark sides however and has added even more quality in the offseason. The headline signing is former Richmond premiership player Kamdyn McIntosh, whose experience and work rate will be a major asset. Combined with Marcus Lentini, the Magpies boast a formidable midfield pairing that will test any opposition.
They’ve also secured exciting young talent, Isaac Baldwin, who is expected to feature this weekend with no VFL commitments, further strengthening an already impressive lineup.
Diamond Creek will be keen to make a statement in their return to Division 1 to show they belong and Montmorency are out to reinforce their status as a premiership contender.
Greensborough and Eltham have a week off after their Good Friday fixture last week.
