Buoyant Bloods bolster stocks

SOUTH Bendigo’s busy off-season has hit pay dirt again with the arrival of a pair of highly accomplished Queensland AFL talents.

Fresh from announcing the return of former coach Nathan Horbury in a playing role earlier this month, the Bloods have unveiled the signings of Aspley premiership stars Coen Harker and Tom Templeton.

Harker, a member of the QAFL Hornets’ 2022 and 2023 premiership teams, heads south following a stellar stint at Aspley.

A standout performer in the QAFL state team this season, his consistency and work rate saw him dominate the stats sheet this season at Aspley.

Harker led the club in disposals and contested disposals, ranked third for clearances and second in tackles.

His signing was unveiled on the Bloods’ social media pages.

“The South Bendigo Football Netball Club is thrilled to welcome Coen Harker to the Bloods for the 2026 season,” the club said.

“Coen joins us from the Aspley Football Club, where he enjoyed an outstanding run of success – including back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023.

“A strong, hard-running midfielder with a massive engine, Coen will add real grunt to our midfield group.

“We’re also delighted to welcome his partner Maddi to the South Bendigo family.”

Harker will be joined by his former premiership teammate Templeton, a two-time QAFL Team of the Year selection.

A former North Ballarat Rebel in the then TAC Cup competition (43 games), Templeton represented Vic Country and attended two AFL Draft combines before heading north to Aspley.

Cohen Balnaves has made his way back to South Bendigo following a five-year stint in Queensland.

Templeton, who played alongside Harker in the Hornets’ 2023 premiership, arrives at Harry Trott Oval as a two-time senior best and fairest winner, having also played 50 VFL and NEAFL games with North Ballarat and Aspley.

The club was quick to welcome Templeton and his wife Alex to the Bloods community.

“Tom joins South Bendigo from the Aspley Football Club, bringing with him a wealth of experience,” the club said. “Tom’s professionalism, football knowledge, and proven track record of success will make him a valuable addition to our senior playing group.”

In a further boost, the Bloods have welcomed back Cohen Balnaves following a five-year stint with AFL Queensland club Burleigh.

A proud Blood through and through, Balnaves previously played 99 junior games and 141 BFNL games for South Bendigo.

He played 12 games for the Burleigh Bombers in 2025, kicking seven goals and featuring in the best players five times.

Three more Queensland signings add to the positive influx at South Bendigo following the club’s fourth-place finish in 2025.

The club had previously announced the signings of Horbury and Nathan Kay, from Elmore, in a boost to their growing on-ball stocks.

Meanwhile, the Bloods have finalised their lower grade football coaching appointments for 2026, with Jack Nalder and Caleb Nitschke agreeing to continue on as reserves coaches after leading their side to a preliminary final this year.

Travis Eddy and Mark Kramer will lead the under-18s.

The seniors will again be coached by Troy Coates (non-playing) and Jack Fallon (playing), who extended their contracts midway through the 2025 season.