AS THE 2026 season draws closer, GDFL clubs have been active in the off-season as new faces arrive across the competition.<\/p>\n
ANAKIE<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Jack Moylan (Grovedale), Mitch Burge (Grovedale), Riley Van Dyke (Grovedale), Daniel Harms (Grovedale), Nick Hau (Grovedale), Lewis Fitzpatrick (Grovedale), Nathan McDonald (Newcomb), Toby Manganelli (Lorne), Mitch White (Undera), Sam McLachlan, Ollie McLachlan, Brodie Cotter, Samuel Jennings and Alex Podolak<\/p>\n After ending a 27-year finals drought, the Roos will look to keep the momentum rolling following a busy off-season that delivered GFL and BFL experience and several familiar faces.<\/p>\n BELL POST HILL<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: David Handley (Geelong West), Ethan Coffey (South Barwon), Cody Beckley (Lara) and Brock Carter (Fitzroy).<\/p>\n Handley headlines the Panthers’ new recruits following a strong stint in the GFL, while Coffey adds depth to the midfield. Carter returns to the club after spells around Australia, and Beckley is set to strengthen the backline in 2026.<\/p>\n BANNOCKBURN<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Scott Driscoll, Henry Hawker (Leopold), Tanner Sadler (South Barwon), Tom Gibson (Birchip), Willson Mack (Bell Park) and Jackson Gorman (Bell Park).<\/p>\n The Tigers welcome plenty of GFL experience into their line-up as they look to get back into the finals next season. Driscoll brings plenty of leadership having coached both Jeparit and St Arnaud.<\/p>\n BELMONT<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Jed Evans (Stanhope) and James Grohmann (Penshurst).<\/p>\n Belmont have kept their offseason simple so far, but bring in plenty of talent through Grohmann and Evans, who returns after a stint in the KDFL.<\/p>\n CORIO<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Jay Blackney (Geelong West), Max Roberts (St Albans), Cooper Shoebridge (West Preston Lakeside), Callum Gibson (West Preston Lakeside), Nate Hargrave (Hoppers Crossing), Tom McMahon (West Preston Lakeside), David Waldron (Old Ivanhoe), Mikali Harrison (Stanhope), Kade Bergen (Rupanyup) and Nathan Smith (Portarlington).<\/p>\n As they look to get off the bottom of the ladder, the Devils have added depth and skill across all areas of the ground. Shoebridge spent time with Footscray VFL and Harrison is a well-known GDFL name who will bring plenty of pressure.<\/p>\n EAST GEELONG<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Matt Kasparian (Clunes) and Will Paulin (Nirranda).<\/p>\n The 2025 runners-up have added senior experience in Paulin and a mobile ruckman in Kasparian, who is returning after an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire season.<\/p>\n GEELONG WEST<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Jarred Jans (Geelong Amateur) and Stuart Goddard (Traralgon).<\/p>\n The Giants have added to their small forward and midfield stocks with the additions of Goddard and Jans. Jans spent time at both St Joseph’s and the Ammos, bringing some much-needed experience to his new side.<\/p>\n INVERLEIGH<\/strong><\/p>\n Recruits: Ethan Floyd (Birregurra), Michael Bourdovalis (Winchelsea), Zachary Plant (Thomson) and Adam Donohue (South Colac).<\/p>\n After finishing seventh this season, the Hawks have added experience across the ground to complement their impressive youth. Donohue returns to his former club after a Best and Fairest-winning season at South Colac.<\/p>\n