GFL clubs reshape lists ahead of 2026 season

AS THE New Year approaches, Geelong Football League clubs have been busy shaping their lists ahead of the 2026 season.

BELL PARK

Recruits: Ryan Perkins (Bannockburn), Ayden Osborne (Bannockburn) and Tyler Norton (Wangaratta Magpies).

Perkins is a former Geelong Falcon and represented Bannockburn in the GDFL interleague match this season, while Osborne re-joins his junior club. Norton moves across having featured in Wangaratta’s grand final side.

COLAC

While a large number of players have recommitted for 2026, the Tigers are yet to announce any new signings.

GEELONG WEST

Recruits: Luke Wittman (Torquay), Jacob Assemani (St Joseph’s), Josh Goudge (South Barwon), Spencer Jones (Geelong Amateur) and Baxter Ramsey (Geelong Amateur).

As they enter a new era under Chris Browne, a few new faces have signed with the Giants. Wittman moves across from Torquay having kicked 117 goals in his past two seasons and Assemani and Jones are both former Falcons.

GROVEDALE

Recruits: Caiden Gardiner (Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs) and Jack Kelly (Greta).

Gardiner headlines the Tigers’ offseason recruits, having moved from Cairns with an impressive resume that has earned him a preseason training spot at Werribee in the VFL. Kelly returns to the club after a stint in the Ovens and King League, where he was in two teams of the year.

LARA

Recruits: Cooper Langan (Noosa) and Thomas Edwards-Baldwin (West Coast WAFL).

Langan joins the Cats as a strong utility who previously played for North Shore in 2022 and 2023. Edwards-Baldwin has nominated Lara as his local club when not playing for the Eagles in the WAFL.

LEOPOLD

Recruits: Charlie Gardiner (St Mary’s), Archie Eichler (Buninyong), Logan Hockley (Portarlington), Jed Henderson (South Warrnambool) and Adam Enever (Tatura).

While many longtime players have departed for next season, the Lions have also added plenty of talent. Henderson is a game-breaker on the wing, while Hockley returns to Leopold after a stint in the BFL. Gardiner and Eichler are promising young talents looking to play consistent senior football.

NEWTOWN & CHILWELL

Recruits: Cameron Fowler (Ocean Grove), Taj McMillan (North Ballarat), Nick Jephson (Kyabram), Daniel Lowther (Lara) and Harrison Dolley (Ocean Grove).

The Towners look set to remain in the premiership hunt after a busy offseason. Lowther is a former Falcon and will train with Richmond’s VFL side, while McMillan, Jephson, Dolley and Fowler all bring plenty of experience to the club.

NORTH SHORE

Recruits: Nic Creighton (University of Queensland), Dylan Bennett (Newtown & Chilwell), Xavier McGowan (Torquay), Brodie Clifford (Geelong Amateur), Harry Whatnall (St Albans), Jack McQuitty (Lara) and Tye Newitt (Lara).

The Seagulls have bolstered their list with plenty of fresh faces who will all look to help push their new side up the ladder. Creighton brings plenty of QAFL experience, with many other new faces looking for their first taste of senior football.

SOUTH BARWON

Recruits: Kye Annand (Ocean Grove), Hamish Sinnott (Camperdown), Andrew Boseley (Anakie), Degan Dolny (Beechworth) and Jamison Hallam (Ocean Grove).

Mark Neeld’s side were unlucky to miss the GFL finals this year, but after a significant recruiting haul this off-season, there will be little room for excuses in 2026. Annand and Sinnott add valuable Geelong VFL experience, while Boseley’s return further strengthens an already potent forward line.

ST ALBANS

Recruits: Miller Keck (Ocean Grove), Zac Cutropia (St Josephs), Brodie Evans (Essendon Doutta Stars), Jackson Stephenson (Ocean Grove), Noah Cockerell (Cairns), Ethan Graham (Caroline Springs), Lachie Foster (St Josephs), Jake Butcher (Westmeadows), Andrew Taylor (North Shore), Hunter Dickson (St Mary’s), Riley Somers (Belmont), Miller Gilchrist (Benalla) and Declan Barbary (Caramut).

Plenty of new faces will suit up for the Supersaints in 2026 after a busy offseason. A good mix of up-and-coming talent and experience will only help their chances of returning to finals football.

ST JOSEPH’S

A quiet offseason so far for the 2025 grand finalists, with no new recruits announced as of yet.

ST MARY’S

Recruits: Sam Azzi (Yarraville), Xavier Ivisic (Geelong Cats), Josh Sanders (Lara) and Harry Benson (Palm Beach Currumbin).

The reigning premiers have landed some big names, including Ivisic who spent one season on Geelong’s rookie list and Benson who returns to the Saints after a season in Queensland and will boost their midfield stocks. Azzi is a strong key defender and is joined by fellow Werribee VFL member Sanders, who is a young midfielder.