Success breeding success at Queenscliff

Queenscliff is mounting a serious premiership challenge in 2026, with both its senior and reserves football teams sitting inside the Bellarine Football Netball League top two after 10 rounds.

The seniors boast an 8-1 record under coach Heath Jamieson, while the reserves are also firmly in contention at 7-2, as the club pushes for success across both grades.

Much of the seniors’ firepower has come from Jordan Monahan and Izaac Grant, with the forward pair combining for 64 goals and both sitting inside the league’s top five goalkickers.

Midfielders Lachie Kidd and Che Durran have also played key roles, ranking among the league leaders for contested possessions and clearances.

Jamieson said the Coutas’ success stemmed from a simple game plan focused on pressure and quick ball movement.

“We’ve been clear on the way we’ve wanted to play. It’s not overboard, we intercept the ball and move quick the other way,” he said.

“It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it’s not too hard for others to pick it up. Everyone fits into it easily and it’s easy to adapt to.”

He said the club’s recruiting drive had also helped elevate the side from finalist to genuine premiership contender.

“We are pretty happy with where we are. We had a good season last year, but we thought we overachieved a touch,” Jamieson said.

“The one thing we had up our sleeve was recruiting. This year we went shopping and now we have that depth. It comes down to adding that experience. Guys like Nick Rippon, Billy Jones, Jaydo Wright and Sam Kalbfell have been huge for us.”

The reserves have also enjoyed a strong campaign, with Jake Hedley leading the Bellarine Football Netball League goalkicking with 27 goals and Isaac McCabe close behind in second.

Jamieson said strong competition for places was helping drive standards across the club.

“Competition for spots has never been higher,” he said. “It’s a fantastic place to be as a coach.”

Both Queenscliff sides return from the bye this weekend to face an improving Portarlington outfit eager to continue its climb up the ladder.

Jamieson said the Demons would provide another test despite sitting outside the top five.

“There is no easy game in the Bellarine. We would be really silly to look at it and think the job is done,” he said.

“Port have got some really good footballers into their club. [Coach] Sammy Scott brings a huge level of experience over from Leopold. What we know with the Bellarine is that if you look too far ahead, sides will bite you.”