NFNL Off-Season Football News

Stay up to date with all the key recruits, coaching moves and other football news from NFNL clubs.

Click on one of the links below to jump to all the club news from that Division.

Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Men’s

Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1 Women’s

Cleaning Melbourne Division 2 Women’s

Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Men’s

*Re-signings, new signings, departures and coaching appointments based off club announcements. Article last updated 9am on October 14th.

Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Men’s

BANYULE

Coaching

Rohan Welsh will continue on in 2027 and Beverley Road Reserve, with Chris Taylor moving to Reserves coach after two years with the Under 19.5s side and current senior player James Kayrooz succeeding him.

Re-signings

Jean-Luc Velissaris, Kye Yodgee, Liam Mackie, Jack Langford, Tim Martin, Ollie Poole, Liam Sier, Ethan Boyd, James Kayrooz, Matt Kayrooz, Jaxon Riley, Braydon O’Connor, Sean Tyrrell, Sam Sheard, Charlie Serafin, Christian Ganino, Joel Perugini, Josh Chivers, Josh Collins.

New signings

Patrick Fairlie has been unveiled as a marquee recruit for the Bears, boasting over 100 state league games across Preston Bullants and North Melbourne in the VFL and West Adelaide in the SANFL.

BUNDOORA

Coaching

Bundoora has appointed Simon Amore as its new senior men’s coach, villing the vacancy left by Heath Scotland. Amore will be a familiar face to many in the NFNL with previous coaching roles at Panton Hill and Greensborough in recent years.

Reserves coaches Matt Harris, Scott Buckland and Tim Johnson will be coaching on in 2027.

Re-signings

Liam Kolar, Matt Johnson, Liam Mallia, Jesse King, Joel Lamotte, Max Sarre, Elijah Church, Ryder Jones, Riley Greene, Tyler Irwin, Henry Kerrison, Riley Cameron, Mitch McMaster-Smith, Jack White, Nathan Phillips, Harry Grossmann, Ned Grossmann, Josh Dinatale, Ricky Raffaelli, Ryan Keppel, Erin Hussein, Isaac Bortolin.

New signings

Daniel Guccione returns to Bundoora after stints with Pascoe Vale and most recently Stawell in the Wimmera FNL, where he played 14 games this season. The big man last pulled on a Bundoora jumper back in 2018.

Departures

Luke Lo Valvo has signed with Whittlesea in Division 2 after 77 games with the Bulls and Daniel Costanzo has also moved to Division 2 outfit Thomastown.

Peter McEvoy announced his retirement after the Bulls’ elimination final loss, booting 114 goals for Bundoora since joining the club in 2023 following a VFL career with Box Hill and Coburg.

DIAMOND CREEK

Coaching

Ben Shelton has been unveiled as the Creekers’ senior coach for 2027. Shelton succeeds Andrew Tranquilli who took Diamond Creek back to Division 1 after a Division 2 premiership in 2025 and a third-place finish this season.

Shelton played in three premierships with Bundoora in 2011, 2013 and 2017 and most recently coached in Richmond’s VFL program.

Re-signings

Brodie Watson, Darcy Laurie, Matthew Lewis, Jett McLaughan, Nathan Searl and Miller Connell, Ewan Macpherson, Nicholas Barro, Connor Lidgerwood.

ELTHAM

Coaching

Tim Bongetti has been reappointed as the Panthers’ senior men’s coach for 2027 with Cam McCormick announced as a new assistant. Jimmy Snell will head up the U19.5s side as coach.

Nathan Storer has moved on to Epping to be the senior men’s coach for the Pingers.

Re-signings

Declan Ayres, Dave Evans, Cooper James, Nate MCurdy, Sam Tyrrell, Lane Sinclair, Kai Turner, Jason McCormick, Liam Doumtsis, Jimmy Snell, Ollie Magnuson, Jack Keenan, Harry Downes, Ren Garth, Luke Smith, Cam Sullivan, Miller Wortley, Ben Crick, Colm Culligan. Mitch Stafford, Seb Molloy, Eamon Magnuson, Jaden Collins, Ryan Gardner, Matt Zrna, Haydn Kofoed, Nathan Jensen, Harvey Furlong, Daniel Annetta, Lachie Swaney, Max Poliness, Jack Hartney, Jacob Genis, Ashton Roeg, Henry Kilby, Jack Parkinson, Elliot McCluskey, Tom Bond, Angus McClellan, Tom Bell.

New signings

Josh Hamilton returns to his junior club after dividing his time between North Heidelberg and Williamstown in the VFL this season.

GREENSBOROUGH

Coaching

Greensborough will be under new leadership next season as Ryan Thomson takes the reins at War Memorial Park. Thomson comes well credentialled following a stint in the VFL with Williamstown as an assistant coach.

Former assistant coach Michael Hooper has been unveiled as Airport West’s new coach in the Essendon District Football League, with departing senior coach Matt Hyde also heading to Airport West as Head of Player Development.

Re-signings

Jackson Davies (two years), William McFawn, Ryan Commandeur, Harrison Andronaco, Brody Glenn, Jackson Hasler, Charlie Di Stefano.

HEIDELBERG

Re-signings

Sam Gilmore, Keenan Posar, Brayden Sier, Matt Signorello, James Nandalin, Kai Dimattina, Jack Andrew, Adam Galgano, Roman Moxon, Matt Cecchin, Max Folloard, Tom Lazzaro, Anthony Carbone, Campbell Barrot, James Nandalin, Luke Galgano, Reeve Fealy, Callum Smith, Sam Papagianis, Jack Papagianis, Tyler Armstrong, Luke Galgano, Stefan Nedelkovski, Jack Mckenna, Anton Dodaj, Josh Shepherd, Lachy Wilson, Sonny Caruso, Logan Shepherd.

Departures

Heidelberg has farewelled Dylan Clarke, who has been a pivotal part of the Tigers’ midfield in their five-peat. Clarke departs as a five-time premiership player from 77 games – not a bad strike rate.

HURSTBRIDGE

Coaching

Jacob Smith has been announced as Hurstbridge’s new senior men’s coach for 2027. Smith played for the Bridges from 2022-2025 and has gained experience most recently with Old Carey. Smith succeeds Joel Cordwell who spent four seasons in the role including a grand final appearance in 2025.

Damian Cattuso has also been appointed to the role of Head of Strategy and List Management.

Re-signings

Lachlan East, Cameron Wild, Bryce Arthur, Noah Barnes, Ned Nihill, Jake Richards, Liam Karakaltchev, Mitch Hymus, Jake Wild, Ethan Taylor, Jack Stewart, Darcy Stewart, Luke Cassar, Logan Careri, Jack Christian, Joel Perkins, Ryan Baynes, Billy Loustas, Isaac Long, Isaac Jones, River Bourke, Mitch Wild.

New signings

Mischa Fraillon has signed with the Bridges, crossing from Inglewood in the Loddon Valley FNL where he booted 39 goals from 18 senior games in 2026. This will be Fraillion’s second stint in the NFNL after a season with West Preston-Lakeside in 2024.

Departures

Joel Naylor, Cooper Perrin, Caelan Anderson and Liam Middleton have all been announced as signing with Heathcote in the Heathcote District Football League.

Mitch Dale has also announced his retirement after 270 games for the club.

MONTMORENCY

Re-signings

Stefan Uzelac, Sam Binion, Isaac Baldwin, Levi McCormack, Connor Kane, Maxwell Halliwell.

NORTH HEIDELBERG

Coaching

Nathan Skudutis succeeds Kasey Duncan in the top job for 2027. Skudutis has an extensive coaching background and founded the Boomfit Football Academy. Ahmed Kanjou will join him as a senior assistant.

The Dogs have also announced Gavin Langborne as their new Director of Coaching and North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey as a Player Development and Leadership mentor.

Re-signings

Brody Bell, Parker Heatley, Thomas Rivis, Curtis Brown, Cooper Budgia, Liam Barber, Zane Souleiman, Alo Tiatia, Nash Ramage, Jackson Magann, Kyan Carman, Jayce Callegari, Remy Fahd, Ben Bath, Darcy Kinash, David Aherne, Julian Spiteri, Jarryd Culph, James Geles, Alex Geles, Kye Hunter, Ben Pearce.

New signings

Marcus Zipf has aligned himself to North Heidelberg for the next two seasons while he continues to play with Williamstown in the VFL. Standing at 205cm he’ll add some size to the Dogs’ line up when available.

Departures

Angus McLennan is moving on, signing with Euroa in the Goulburn Valley Football League.

OLD PARADIANS

Old Paradians have the toughest jump in NFNL football to make in 2027, moving into Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 after two premierships in the last three years.

Re-signings

Declan Brunskill, Jack Nicolo, Rufus Jones, Lachie Kerr, Heath Phillips, Archie Jones.

Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1 Women’s

DIAMOND CREEK WOMEN’S

Coaching

Stacey Cross has been appointed the Creekers senior coach for 2027, replacing Ryan McDonald.

Re-signings

Lauren Durante, Kelsea Bannan, Paige Duson, Zarah York, Brooke Plummer, Olivia Caruana, Grace Bullard, Emily Saunders, Stephanie Cook.

ELTHAM

Coaching

Darren Cardamone will continue as coach of the Division 1 side in 2027, while Jason Keogh will coach Eltham’s second side.

Re-signings

Mary Robinson, Michaela Molenberg, Emily Wunderlich, Jemma Laffey, Brianna Crowley, Kate Cardamone, Grace Brankovic, Cassie Hicks, Summer Priest, Chloe Finney, Aimee Bailey, Chloe Scott, Tiah Bishop, Isabel Villareal, Jess Van Hattum, Jordan Kelly, Willow Priest, Hazel Smith, Grace Robinson.

HEIDELBERG

Coaching

Jacob Tascone will take the reigns of Heidelberg’s women’s program in 2027 after several years as an assistant coach. Tascone takes over from Craig Hayes.

LOWER PLENTY

Re-signings

Ava Klaic, Scarlett Fitzpatrick, Ally Pilakis, Jaya Montfort, Sierra Rogers, Tess Gibson, Sierra Rogers, Matilda Raphael, Hayley Brown, Darci Fitzgerald, Holli Farrelly, Scarlett Hall, Finley Bell.

MONTMORENCY

Coaching

Matt Lemire has been announced as the new coach of Montmorency’s women’s side, taking over from Bronson Hill. Lemire will be aiming to avenge a couple of grand final losses over the last two seasons for the Magpies.

MC Labour Division 2 Men’s

FITZROY STARS

Coaching

The Stars have locked in Neville Jetta to continue as senior coach in 2027, having coached the Stars into finals contention in Division 2 this season.

Re-signings

Kain Proctor, Jai Burns, Neville Jetta, Patrick Farrant Jnr, Ethan Penrith, Tommy Clarke, Max Brown, James Trajkovski, Joharo Harvey-Connellan, Mingara Clark, Clinton Edwards Jnr, Malik Keegan, Keadin Ronnan, Jordan Proctor, Raman Winmar, Nick O’Neill, Yarran Jaffer-Williams, Rob Smith, Levy Tejones.

New signings

Jacob Apted has signed with the Stars, crossing from Highett in the Southern FNL where he played 20 games and booted 33 goals in 2026.

Jalen Clarke has also signed with the Stars, making the trip south from Darwin and the NTFL where he’s played over 100 games.

IVANHHOE

Coaching

Ivanhoe has appointed Jason Heatley as senior coach for 2027, taking over from Wayne Schultz who is stepping down from the role.

Heatley’s coaching resume is littered with success – premierships at Wantirna South (2008), Northcote Park (2012), Heidleberg (co-coach, 2016) and Wangaratta for the second and third of their back-to-back-to-back flags in the Ovens and Murray FNL in 2025 and 2026.

Re-signings

Captain Alex Federico has been unveiled as the Hoers’ first re-signing for 2027 as Ivanhoe prepares to take on Division 2.

New signings

Marcus Federico joins his brother Alex at Ivanhoe for 2027, crossing from West Preston-Lakeside.

LOWER PLENTY

Coaching

Lower Plenty have locked in a co-coaching duo for next year, with Travis Stephens and Chris Daw leading the Bears’ senior side.

Re-signings

Ciaran Porter, Jordan Sacco, Joel Leslie, Jordon Smith, Jack Chubb, Mitch Brownhill, Jasper Collins, Jed Wallace, Flynn Davis, Tyler Wallace, Juy Smith, Mac Littlefield, Hudson Young, Seth Hill, Mitch Ferronato, Felix Bell, Daniel James, Riley Alexander, Devon Noons, Ben Smith, Matthew Lewis, Bailey Rigg, Harvey Littlefield, Brixton Timewell, Nathan Raphael, Harry Wenn, Ben Bond.

MACLEOD

Coaching

Macleod will have a new senior coach in 2027, with Owen Blizzard taking over from the departing Nick Lynch. Blizzard joins from Old Paradians and brings with him Ari Sciacca who takes up a role as Head of Development.

“They have a proven track record of player development and a whole-of-club approach to getting the best out of every player,” said Macleod President Mick Lovett.

Steve Kelly stays in charge of the Roos’ Reserves side and Nick Vass will coach the Under 19s after coaching with Macleod’s junior teams in the YJFL for the last two seasons.

Re-signings

Zac Hudson, Kobe Brandt, Haydon Manuel, Cooper Windebank, Kurt Manuel, Mackenzie Hogg, Jasper Howell, Jordan Corelli, Will Dunn, Connor Hetherton, Caleb Karavas, Anthony Doherty, Nathan Pyers, Sam Vass, Mitch Rust, Sam Richards, Archie Mansfield, Ace Boag, Archie Gardam, Jack Medley, Zac Howell, Gabe Narkiewicz, Lachlan Barrett.

Departures

The 2026 Division 2 leading goal kicker Darcy Barden has announced he’s hanging up the boots after 228 NFNL games and 475 goals for Lower Plenty and Macleod. The 2026 Team of the Year full forward leaves a big hole in the Roos’ forward line which will no doubt be a focus area for new coach Owen Blizzard.

NORTHCOTE PARK

Coaching

Senior coach Anthony Palmer has been re-signed for 2027, as have assistants Bronik Davies and George Lattouf after a second-place finish in 2026 before bowing out in the semi final.

Re-signings

Daniel Tallariti, Matt Perry, Leo Amad, Michael Amad, Sam Amad, Lachlan Boscarini, Damon Marcon, James McArdle, Patrick Vanin, Ricky Fandrich, Nathan Perry, Ben Augustus, Alastair Punshon, Bryson Norris, Ennis Muke, Jye Stevens, Zander Phokos, Fynn Hatfield, Will Rohde, Tighe O’Brien, Noah Langborne, Sam Deola, Ben Armstrong.

New signings

Zach Dwyer (Caulfield Grammarians) has been announced as a new signing at Bill Lawry Oval.

SOUTH MORANG

Coaching

South Morang has announced Matt Penn has re-signed as senior coach for the 2027 season after steering the Lions to the Division 2 minor premiership this year.

Re-signings

Nathan Stefanile, Bailey Brown, Paul Sidhu, Cayden Failla, Liam Jolly, Josh Renehan, Carter McCall, Jesse John Christidis, Ben Power, Rocco Grillo, Josh Lansfield, Jake Kenovski, Lucas Yacoub, Liam Failla, James Hewson, Mat Robinson, Demetrios Constantinou, Marc Pandolfo, Domenic Grillo, Nick Terpou, Jordan Tarpkos, Logan Humphrey, Nicholas Torquati, Jasper Tucker, Chase Pell, Kaden Isherwood, Jack Traianou, Dallyce Taylor, Dean De Propertis, Adam Huybers, Marcus Cutajar, Adam De Propertis, Alex Kirkopoulos, Alex Parisi, James Traianou, Teague Van Zwienen, Kobe Van Zwienen.

THOMASTOWN

Coaching

Thomastown has re-signed its senior coaching group, with co-coaches Paul Harris and Sash Spiroski and assistants Adem Shemshedin and Ryan Fort all staying on.

Re-signings

Anthony Capeci, Lawrence Lo Piccolo, James Lucente, Jake Nikolov, Billy Samie, Zain Yamak, Aaron D’Angelo, Sean Culhane, David Folino, Jack Hayse, Mitch Hayse, Youseph Dib, Jaison Nguyen, Adrian Natoli, Luca Gioskos, Michael Tiligadis, Jordan Nguyen, Michael Montesano, Michael Tobacco, Lachlan Liberatore, Ben Talevski, Karsen Edwards, Milad Almatrah, Jordan Cugnetto, Anthony Padula, Jesse Capeci, Thomas Giokos, Makhoul Zakkour.

New signings

Daniel Costanzo crosses from Bundoora and brings with him a wealth of high-level football from stints with the Bulls, Banyule and West Preston-Lakeside.

Jarryd Coulson also returns to Thomastown after a break from football. No doubt the three-time NFNL Division 3 best and fairest winner will be a handy addition for the Bears along with Daniel Bramich who returns from Albion in the Western FNL.

WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE

Coaching

West Preston-Lakeside has re-signed Darren Bewick as senior coach and will be hoping to be in the finals mix straight away in their first season in Division 2.

Re-signings

Matthew Harman, Kristian Lawson, Arben Dani, Aleksander D’Arro, Trent Stavrou, Johnny Elmer, Hayden Delos, Luke Vincitorio.

New signings

Seb D’Arro joins the Roosters after two seasons at Epping in Division 3. Jack Vorano has also been announced as a new recruit from North Footscray in the Western FNL and Kyle Galvin-King returns after having 2026 wiped out through injury.

WHITTLESEA

Coaching

Whittlesea announced its senior coaching succession plan earlier in the season, with Andrew Fairchild taking the reins from Garry Ramsay for 2027.

Sean McAuliffe has coached the Eagles’ Reserves side to back-to-back flags and will be coaching on next year.

Re-signings

Deakin Tennant, Taidhg Bland, Tom Falls, Khaled El-Leissy, Bailey Robinson, Mitchell Andrews, Zane Anderson, Paul Higgins, Angus Smith, Riley Gaylard, Riley Powell, Harley Fraumano, Jack Morley, Clancy Bland, Steven Dempsey, Liam Tyrrell, Will Plain, Thomas Crowley.

New signings

The Eagles have wasted no time bringing in new recruits for 2027. Kye Short joins from EDFL side Greenvale, Mason McAllister has signed from Kinglake where he was a two-time NFNL Team of the Year player and Luke Lo Valvo has joined from Bundoora and provide some invaluable Division 1 experience.

Cleaning Melbourne Division 2 Women’s

FITZROY STARS

Coaching

Premiership winning coach Jax Mardini will continue on as the Stars’ coach after a successful 2026 campaign.

HURSTBRIDGE

Coaching

Damian Careri has been announced as the new coach of the Bridges’ women’s team and will call on 15 years of coaching experience with Yarrambat juniors.

Re-signings

Jemma Buckingham, Maddi Bannon, Charli Long, Nat Tull-Boyle.

New signings

Georgia Graham, Maddie Ball, Izzy Annamaki and Emily Johnson have all signed from Yarrambat juniors.

NORTH HEIDELBERG

Coaching

Shannon Bevis has been announced as North Heidelberg’s women’s coach for 2027. After leading the Dogs to a flag in 2025 and taking a year off coaching in 2026, Bevis is well acquainted with the role.

PANTON HILL

Coaching

Neil Davey has been unveiled as the new coach of the Redbacks’ women’s side for 2027. “I’m looking forward to working with this amazing team and seeing what we as a group can achieve together in 2027,” Davey said on the announcement.

Re-signings

Ruby Moore, Angela Milesi, Ruby Walker.

WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE

Coaching

Paul Tilley’s tenure as the club’s women’s coach will continue on in 2027.

Re-signings

Isabel Young, Maddi Richards, Natasha Stoikos, Abbey Mills, Elisha Folino.

Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3

EPPING

Coaching

Nathan Storer has been appointed the new senior men’s coach at Epping, after cutting his teeth as an assistant coach at Eltham as they transitioned from Division 2 to Division 1 in recent years.

Zac Gillard has also been announced as the Pingers’ Reserves coach, after coaching the U19.5s side this season.

Re-signings

Leigh Judd, Corey Middleton, Jude Georgievski, Daniel Rakhlin, Kieren Jaksic, Josh Bawden, Jake Folan, Eddie Saikaly, Adam Rose, Seth Hudson-Joseph, Michael Jacobson, Archer Bugden, Adrian D’Intinosante, Louis Circosta.

New signings

Lucas Chesswas (Kilmore), Josh Webster (Avenel), Jarrah Younger (Broadford), Nathan Kilby (Eltham), Lachlan Barker (Mernda), Ben Ridding (Mernda) have all been announced as new additions for Epping.

HEIDELBERG WEST

Coaching

Michael Missen has been reappointed after guiding the Hawks to a top five finish and back to the Division 3 finals for the first time in 32 years. Tyler Ramsay joins as a senior assistant after two seasons with Whittlesea as backline coach.

Jason Butera has also been reappointed as Reserves coach.

Re-signings

Connor Dunne, Mitch Antonello, Bryce Barnes, Nicholas Paton, Blake Charles, Mitch Thompson, Michael Italia, Brad Moore, Hayden Bolzon, Baxter Sparks, Hunter Garraway, Daniel Clifford, Ryan Offer, Connor Tolley, Ronald Fejo Jnr, Jack Fullgrabe, Ricky Barra, Lachlan Davies, Lachlan Reinke, Quinn Doherty, Thomas Norman, Daniel Verdi, Callum Moore, Justin Traitsis, Cameron Brown, Matt Franklin, Allan Young, Louis Hill, James Condello, Zac Smith.

New signings

Darcy Charles (Watsonia), Rys Smith (Trentham), Lachie Homewood (Diamond Creek), Jordan Bulman, Parker Doncon (Brentwood Booragoon – Perth FL), Liam Patterson (Longwood).

KINGLAKE

Coaching

Gary Cutler will lead Kinglake’s senior side next year after coaching the Reserves in 2026. Cutler is no stranger to the NFNL, with previous stints at Heidelberg West and Lalor among his previous positions.

Morgan Cutler will be the Lakers’ Reserves coach with Matthew McAllister assisting, while Darren McCumber (head coach) and Dan Payne (assistant) will look after the U19.5s.

Re-signings

Will Graf, Dylan Hoystead, Lochlan Kelly, Sam Charles, Connor Caldow, Tom McErlain, Angus Forde, Rye Johnson, Liam Styles, Damian Pyewell, Ryder Gresham, Willem Morrison, Owen Davidson, Tom McCumber, Riley Greenhorn, Koebe Pfeiffer, Harry Hobbs, Dylan Cunningham, Corey Shenholds, Noah McLellan.

New signings

Sam Rexhepi has signed with the Lakers after three seasons at Lalor where he booted 114 goals and was the Division 3 leading goal kicker in 2024. Anthony Bolton has also been unveiled as a new signing along with Noah Duson.

Departures

The Lakers have farewelled Mason McAllister, who earned NFNL Team of the Year honours in 2025 and 2026.

KILMORE

Coaching

The Blues have welcomed Leigh Irons to the club as midfield line coach. Bryce Hall and Adam Goudge have also been re-signed as senior assistant coaches.

Matthew Whiteside has been announced as the new Reserves coach with Matt Gibson assisting him. Mick Shaw will take charge of the Under 19.5s.

Re-signings

Josh Coe, Lachlan Chesher, Josh Vilinskis, Max Locorica, Mason Locorica, Marcus Locorica, Liam Monaghan, Kye Maher, Ben Doyle, Ryan Knight, Katlan Cook, Grant Paxton, Caleb Newport, Tristan Lilburn, Emmett Clark, Jake Beattie, Jarvis Sleep, Maddox McManus, Chase Dennis, Darcy Baldwin-Potton, David Shaw, Jaden Smith, Jack Haber, Kane Ronchi, Leigh Irons, Tom Maher, Ryan Hall, Slade Cresswell, Jack Maher, Cooper Thompson, Jordan Fowkes, Archie Soccio, Lachlan Quine, Cody McQueen, Luke Finlayson, Chris Jackson, Ben Maher, Rory Taylor,

New signings

Jaxson Kinnear (Romsey) returns to his junior club after four seasons in the Ridell District FNL and former Blues junior Jett Ladewig has also returned after four seasons at Greenvale in the EDFL. Will Crawford and Damon O’Shea (Hampton Rovers) have signed on after crossing from the VAFA. Crawford’s 2026 season was eye-catching with 36 goals from 17 senior games for the Rovers.

Harry and Harvey Lehner have also moved across from Whittlesea to join the Blues.

Departures

Lucas Chesswas (Epping)

LALOR

Coaching

With Lance Whitnall’s departure from the senior coaching job, the Bloods wasted no time in appointing JJ Cristaudo as their new senior men’s coach for 2027. Cristaudo joins from Glenroy where he coached the Kangaroos Reserves side for the last two seasons.

Cristaudo’s brother Eric and Dwayne Bulmer have also been appointed as an assistant coaches after crossing from Glenroy.

Reserves coach Brad McGillien will stay on for 2027.

Re-signings

Heath Patton, Hayden Chapman.

New signings

Ali Khairbak (Glenroy), Mahmoud Youssef (Parkside), Ashton Studwick (Whittlesea), Neeson Cook (Avenel), Josh Martin, Eddie Withington, Dean Marvitsakis, Ned Uren, Finley Stewart (La Trobe), Ruben Cottee, Zac Hill, Devon Logan, Zak Dghman, Tirian Hillman, Angus Withington.

Departures

Mark Roumanos has called time on his local football career and Sam Rexhepi has signed with Kinglake.

LAURIMAR

Re-signings

Patrick Fitzgerald, Stephen McCallum, Hayden Trim, Kaiden Arthur, Janus Waldron, Liam Waldron, Zac McMahon, Hayden Smith, Cam Maloney, Bailey Macleod, Joel Lawson, Hayden Smith, Kobe Weston, James Apted, Billy Lambert, Kye Ingram, Jai Langford.

New signings

Tom Indian (Lancefield) joins the Power as a ruck/defender after crossing from the Ridell District FNL. Cooper Herbert also returns from Hurstbridge after an injury-interrupted 2026.

Departures

Josh Leather, Ethan Bateman and Josh Bateman have all signed with Broadford in the Bendigo FNL.

MERNDA

Coaching

No changes to the senior coaching hierarchy at Mernda, with Brent Marshall locked in as senior coach for another two seasons.

Jacob Loft and Tom Felle will look after the Under 19.5 side.

Re-signings

Dayne Kellett, James Sekulovksi, Billy Morrison, Josh Mazzarella, Billy Evans, Justin Spadorcia, Jett Philips, Declan Felle, Jesse Guelfo, Nathan Baccega, Josh Caputo, Lachlan Potter, Kyle Yankos, Lachie Taylor, Lincoln Coffey, Jake Bennett, Jayden Bell, Chris Roussos.

New signings

The Demons have landed a marquee signing with Chris Stewart crossing from Wallan where he kicked 47 goals in 19 games this season as the Magpies reached the RDFNL grand final.

OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS

Re-signings

Bailey Dillon, Connor Pilatti, Blake McCallum, Eden Simpson, Jack Fitzgerald, Jack Snow, Mitch Rodda, Jake Tyson, Daniel Hallett, Ben Cox, Reuben Thomson, Lenny Thomson, Logan Martin, Sam Warren, Mitch Raven, Campbell Prior, Sean Leersen, Daniel Cartisano, Tom Burns, Ben Rowe.

New signings

Bailey Van Zweinen (South Morang), Marcus Nardozza (South Morang), Lucas Long (South Morang).

PANTON HILL

Re-signings

Riley Livingstone, Austin Dillon, Jason Pannam, Sam Parks, Nicholas Parks, Max Brook, Paul Vavlitis, Bailey Sobol, Stefan Klepp, Todd Johnston, Jesse Callaway, Jesse Owens-Draper, Ethan Farquhar, Ben Donehue, Tom Blake, Luke Oakley, Jordan Baker, Jacob Ekersall, Oliver Smith, Ben Graham, Fletcher Berryman, Callum James, Hayden Wall, Zac Fawdry.

New signings

Brendan Egberts (Roxburgh Park), Madison Bell (South Morang), Ned McKeown (Tungamah), Beau McDonald, Emile Gill-Haimowich (Mernda), Andre Gill-Haimowich (Mernda), Kyle Marasco (Hurstbridge), Jack George (Mernda).

RESERVOIR

Re-signings

Jack Sandric, Justin Taylor, Josh Grabowski, Mark Ferraro, Dean Jefferey, Jack Berry, Nicholas Miliaresis, Ash Reid, Salvatore Mamone, Kieran Robertson, Marcus Cantwell, Joey Palazzolo, David Tomaino.

New signings

The Mustangs have landed a recruiting coup with local football stalwart Matt Dennis joining the club. The three-time Frank Rosbrook Medallist will bring a wealth of experience to Reservoir’s line up and crosses from Pascoe Vale in the EDFL.

WATSONIA

Coaching

Anthony McGregor has been re-appointed as the Saints’ senior coach after an impressive campaign, leading Watsonia to a fourth-place finish and a preliminary final appearance in 2026.

Re-signings

Nathan Hallyburton, Cameron Cloke, Toby Herbert, Luke Grech, Dean Talarico, Luke Stone, Austin Sinclair, Jack Miller, Sam Cozens, Cody Tulloch, Lachie Bowden, Khy Strappazon, Owen Davidson, Luke Grech.

New signings

Jamie Haber returns to Watsonia from Campbells Creek in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League where he played 15 games and won the club’s 2026 senior best and fairest. Michael Cudmore (La Trobe Uni) has also signed.