GDFL list changes gather pace for 2026

AS THE 2026 season draws closer, GDFL clubs have been active in the off-season as new faces arrive across the competition.

ANAKIE

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

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.

BELL POST HILL

Recruits: David Handley (Geelong West), Ethan Coffey (South Barwon), Cody Beckley (Lara) and Brock Carter (Fitzroy).

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.

BANNOCKBURN

Recruits: Scott Driscoll, Henry Hawker (Leopold), Tanner Sadler (South Barwon), Tom Gibson (Birchip), Willson Mack (Bell Park) and Jackson Gorman (Bell Park).

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.

BELMONT

Recruits: Jed Evans (Stanhope) and James Grohmann (Penshurst).

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.

CORIO

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).

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.

EAST GEELONG

Recruits: Matt Kasparian (Clunes) and Will Paulin (Nirranda).

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.

GEELONG WEST

Recruits: Jarred Jans (Geelong Amateur) and Stuart Goddard (Traralgon).

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.

INVERLEIGH

Recruits: Ethan Floyd (Birregurra), Michael Bourdovalis (Winchelsea), Zachary Plant (Thomson) and Adam Donohue (South Colac).

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.

NORTH GEELONG

The Magpies are yet to announce any new signings after their premiership victory in 2025.

THOMSON

Recruits: Jasper Blair (Queenscliff), Max Piasente (Torquay), Roy Dixon (Torquay) and Zac Rochow-O’Toole (Leopold).

Thomson missed the finals this season but have added some former BFL youth to their list. Blair, a tough midfielder, arrives from Queenscliff after missing 2025 with an ACL injury, while Piasente and Dixon bring pace in defence.

WERRIBEE CENTRALS

Recruits: Isaac Cohen (Hoppers Crossing), Aaron Stone (Lara), Max Ryan (Werribee Districts), Darcy Phillips (Werribee Districts), Kristian Adorno (Point Cook) and Connor Linehan-Cunningham (Lara).

Lara duo Stone and Linehan-Cunningham headline a strong offseason of recruiting for the Centrals, having both established themselves as proven players at GFL level.

WINCHELSEA

Recruits: Cooper Mumberson (South Colac, Joss Church (Numurkah), Riley Johnson (Bennalla), Adam Lubcke, Damien Hewson (South Barwon), Jack Terrill and Jordan Gould (Tantanoola).

The Blues have brought in both youth and experience, headed by proven goalkicker Gould’s return to the club. Terrill joins with a strong basketball resume, having played in the NBL1.