Rivals work on ways to outplay the Blues

HOW to beat Mount Pleasant is a task all coaches across the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL have been working on leading into the ’26 footy season.

The Blues marked a second premiership in three years when they defeated North Bendigo in last September’s grand final by five points.

Mount Pleasant will again be coached by Cam Carter, non-playing, and Josh Hann, playing, as they strive to be the first club to claim back-to-back premierships since Leitchville Gunbower in 2017 and ’18.

The Blues’ attack and midfield options have been strengthened by the signing of Alex and Joel Wharton from Sandhurst.

A strong line-up includes key defender William Wallace, Joey Bell, Jack Hickman, Brodie Leonard-Shannon, Cal Smith and Michael Whiting.

The agony of grand final defeat will spur North Bendigo all season.

Robert Bennett, non-playing, and Ryan Hartley, playing, are co-coaches of the Bulldogs.

An experienced core led by Aarryn Craig, Jordan Ford, Dylan Klemm and Nic Waterson teams brilliantly with young guns Will Gilmore, Riley Paetow and Cody Riddick.

Colbinabbin has brought in some exciting talent as it strives to improve on last year’s third placing.

The Grasshoppers recruits include Dominic Grant, Josh Smithson and Hunter Surrey.

Huntly will aim to build on the momentum of last season’s run to a first semi-final.

The Hamish Morcom-coached Hawks have gained gun on-baller Stefan Pye from Birchip-Watchem.

Knocked out in an elimination final, Leitchville Gunbower will be another strong challenger for a finals berth.

The Bombers will be coached by Joel Donehue this season.

Lockington Bamawm United has regained Marcus Angove and Jacob Gardiner and also recruited Nick Smart from Kyabram.

It’s a new era at Elmore where Luke Freeman takes on the senior coaching role after a two-year stint with Strathfieldsaye Storm.

A club poised to climb the ladder is Heathcote.

Andrew Saladino, non-playing, and Liam Jacques, playing, will coach a squad which has gained key forward Sean Williams from Rochester, Stefan Rasinac from Aberfeldie, and Hugh Freckleton from Golden Square.

Pre-season for the Brad McConnell-coached White Hills started last October as the Demons prepare to turn up the heat.