BFL season preview

THE Bellarine Football League is back this weekend, with 11 clubs primed and eyeing a tilt at premiership glory in 2026.

Geelong Amateur

Finished as minor premiers in 2025 and entered the finals as strong premiership fancies, but were beaten by Anglesea in the grand final. Ammos were left licking their wounds but will again be one of the top chances for the flag after bringing in the likes of Geelong Football League (GFL) talent James Hickey and former AFL tall Hugh Goddard.

Torquay

The Tigers will take in a bolstered squad after going down to Anglesea in last year’s preliminary final. A busy offseason saw them land the signature of hometown hero Travis Boak as well as some other familiar faces such as Reef Page and Spencer Meagher. You can never count Torquay out, and 2026 will be no exception.

Queenscliff

After an impressive 2025 campaign, the Coutas will be looking to improve this year after dropping out of the finals in straight sets. Should feature towards the top of the ladder again thanks to the additions of former Leopold gun Trent Thompson and local football stars Marshall and Nick Rippon.

Drysdale

The Hawks were eliminated by Anglesea in convincing fashion after sneaking into the finals last year, but should be in with a shot again in 2026. Former Melbourne AFL premiership player Jayden Hunt headlines a handful of recruits that make up for departures including gun Tom Ruggles.

Anglesea

It is hard to believe the Roos only made finals on the last day of the home and away season. Hit their straps at the right time in 2026 and have only improved in the offseason, with guns like Ryan Bell and James Fulton bolstering their already talent-filled roster. In with a real chance to go back-to-back.

Barwon Heads

The Seagulls were the unlucky ones in 2025, missing out on a finals berth by one game. With the addition of proven GFL talent in Sam Christensen and Doug Bond, they will be a top five chance should they turn a few disappointing losses around from last season.

Modewarre

The Warriors were relatively quiet in the offseason and are left with a Josh Finch-sized hole in 2026. They appear to be slightly out of touch with sides above them but can push for a finals berth should they cause a few upsets.

Portarlington

With five wins, the Demons saw slight improvement in 2025 and will continue to build with the addition of Leopold duo Sam Scott and Brock Williamson, among others. Should continue their upwards trend this season.

Newcomb

The Power knocked off two eventual finalists in Queenscliff and Torquay to open their campaign last season, and will look to recapture that form on a more consistent level in 2026. A few handy inclusions will help them build and move up the ladder, headlined by superstar Logan Wagener.

Ocean Grove

Last year saw just four wins for the Grubbers, but the young side looked impressive for glimpses throughout the season and will look to continue their development in 2026. Added former AFL star Gary Rohan to the mix, who should bolster their forward line along with former junior James Paterson.

Surf Coast

The inaugural season for the Suns, who have an entirely blank canvas to begin with. Their squad is a mix of local and imported talent, including the likes of former AFL forward Aaron Black and Geelong VFL player Hunter Gottschling. No real pressure to perform this season, but the sky is the limit for the PADDY SINNOTT

The Bellarine Football League is back this weekend, with 11 clubs primed and eyeing a tilt at premiership glory in 2026.

Geelong Amateur

Finished as minor premiers in 2025 and entered the finals as strong premiership fancies, but were beaten by Anglesea in the grand final. Ammos were left licking their wounds but will again be one of the top chances for the flag after bringing in the likes of Geelong Football League (GFL) talent James Hickey and former AFL tall Hugh Goddard.

Torquay

The Tigers will take in a bolstered squad after going down to Anglesea in last year’s preliminary final. A busy offseason saw them land the signature of hometown hero Travis Boak as well as some other familiar faces such as Reef Page and Spencer Meagher. You can never count Torquay out, and 2026 will be no exception.

Queenscliff

After an impressive 2025 campaign, the Coutas will be looking to improve this year after dropping out of the finals in straight sets. Should feature towards the top of the ladder again thanks to the additions of former Leopold gun Trent Thompson and local football stars Marshall and Nick Rippon.

Drysdale

The Hawks were eliminated by Anglesea in convincing fashion after sneaking into the finals last year, but should be in with a shot again in 2026. Former Melbourne AFL premiership player Jayden Hunt headlines a handful of recruits that make up for departures including gun Tom Ruggles.

Anglesea

It is hard to believe the Roos only made finals on the last day of the home and away season. Hit their straps at the right time in 2026 and have only improved in the offseason, with guns like Ryan Bell and James Fulton bolstering their already talent-filled roster. In with a real chance to go back-to-back.

Barwon Heads

The Seagulls were the unlucky ones in 2025, missing out on a finals berth by one game. With the addition of proven GFL talent in Sam Christensen and Doug Bond, they will be a top five chance should they turn a few disappointing losses around from last season.

Modewarre

The Warriors were relatively quiet in the offseason and are left with a Josh Finch-sized hole in 2026. They appear to be slightly out of touch with sides above them but can push for a finals berth should they cause a few upsets.

Portarlington

With five wins, the Demons saw slight improvement in 2025 and will continue to build with the addition of Leopold duo Sam Scott and Brock Williamson, among others. Should continue their upwards trend this season.

Newcomb

The Power knocked off two eventual finalists in Queenscliff and Torquay to open their campaign last season, and will look to recapture that form on a more consistent level in 2026. A few handy inclusions will help them build and move up the ladder, headlined by superstar Logan Wagener.

Ocean Grove

Last year saw just four wins for the Grubbers, but the young side looked impressive for glimpses throughout the season and will look to continue their development in 2026. Added former AFL star Gary Rohan to the mix, who should bolster their forward line along with former junior James Paterson.

Surf Coast

The inaugural season for the Suns, who have an entirely blank canvas to begin with. Their squad is a mix of local and imported talent, including the likes of former AFL forward Aaron Black and Geelong VFL player Hunter Gottschling. No real pressure to perform this season, but the sky is the limit for the new team on the block.