2026 NFNL All Divisions Rumour File

[Worm4]

Definitely wasn't money I can assure you

Didn't like being second fiddle in the forward line, so he went to Keilor for greater opportunity . Think he also rated himself a bit high as well, but the output just wasnt there consistently. He was an average footballer at Coburg as well. Bit of a mercenary if you ask me

 

[L0Gan]

hearing Wilson back full time at bergs next year (despite winning richmond’s bnf again)

 

[EBERT THE KING]

Didn't like being second fiddle in the forward line, so he went to Keilor for greater opportunity . Think he also rated himself a bit high as well, but the output just wasnt there consistently. He was an average footballer at Coburg as well. Bit of a mercenary if you ask me

Very harsh on a bloke who averaged over 50 goals a year at Keilor in his four full seasons there.

Can't imagine he was the only target in their forward line either.

 

[barrelsomers]

Very harsh on a bloke who averaged over 50 goals a year at Keilor in his four full seasons there.

Can't imagine he was the only target in their forward line either.

Also pretty difficult to stay at a club (or in the postcode) when the behaviour of your "teammates" force your hand

 

[Denny Crane]

Very harsh on a bloke who averaged over 50 goals a year at Keilor in his four full seasons there.

Can't imagine he was the only target in their forward line either.

Decent effort averaging 50 for that long. Where has he played recently?

Reckon if rumour and comments here true Mont need a FF since Doita left and 50 goals in a season would be very helpful for them.

 

[Blacky burner]

Also pretty difficult to stay at a club (or in the postcode) when the behaviour of your "teammates" force your hand

No 21 close to the mark ??

 

[Denny Crane]

Anyone from South Morang here?

Hearing nothing but turmoil happening. Sackings, walkouts......

Could just be the off-season rumour mill but that's all we have at the moment but from what I overheard they are after a new coach and any relation of his has signed at newly promoted Div1 side and others deciding their future lays elsewhere.

If true wonder if sacking the coach was the reason for all this.

 

[Denny Crane]

Clearly not rumours, here is the Herald Sun Article from today with the confirmed:

It’s officially local footy silly season and Northern league clubs are busy strengthening their lists for 2026. Keep up to date with all the recruiting announcements here.

BUNDOORA

Daniel Constanzo (Banyule)

Comes across from Division 1 rival Banyule, where he played five games this season. Had a mid-season move to West Preston-Lakeside – where he was a part of the 2019 Division 1 premiership – knocked back and now becomes a Bull. Will greatly boost Bundoora’s experience and can play across multiple lines, making him a valuable addition.

EPPING


Kieren Jaksic (Boort, North Central)

The former North Heidelberg tall returns from a stint in country footy at Boort. Played 14 games this season and helped the club play finals. He played 12 senior games for North Heidelberg in 2023. Returns to the Northern league with Epping, where he’ll slot into a key position roll at either end of the ground.

LOWER PLENTY

Jack Chubb (Montmorency)

Had an outstanding 2024, playing seven games for Montmorency – including the Division 1 grand final – and 12 VFL games for Carlton. However, after signing for Northern Bullants injuries derailed his season and he ended up only playing just one game for the Magpies. Capable of playing key forward or midfield, which will be a huge boost to the Bears’ ambitions.

Flynn Davis (Banyule)

Comes across from Banyule looking for a senior opportunity. Played 17 reserve grade games in the past two years and kicked 18 goals, nine and six of those coming in 2025. Will look to slot into Lower’s attack and keep that goal-a-game average going.

MERNDA

Gary Moorcroft

Gary Moorcroft

Age

49

Ht

173cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.3

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

3.3

3star

T

1.5

3star

G

1.1

4star

No current season stats available

D

12.4

4star

K

8.2

4star

HB

4.2

4star

M

2.6

3star

T

1.6

4star

G

0.0

1star

(Assistant coach)

A massive coup for the Demons with senior coach Brent Marshall securing the services of his old Bundoora premiership teammate and AFL star. Moorcroft stepped away from the game last year after more than 350 local footy matches and 1300 goals.

NORTH HEIDELBERG

Shane Harvey

Shane Harvey

Age

42

Ht

176cm

Wt

75kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.1

2star

K

5.5

2star

HB

1.6

2star

M

2.4

3star

T

1.2

3star

G

0.9

4star

No current season stats available

D

5.8

2star

K

4.6

2star

HB

1.2

2star

M

2.4

3star

T

0.8

3star

G

1.0

4star

(Under-19s coach)

What a coup for the Bulldogs and the young talent at Shelley Reserve, being mentored by one of the greatest goalkickers in local footy history. Harvey played six games for Longwood in the Kyabram District league, kicking 19 goals, five games in the reserves at North and mixed in some SuperRules action as well.

OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS

Blake McCallum (Panton Hill)

The young gun teams up with the old man at Eltham College. Had an outstanding season for the Redbacks’ under-19s, playing 18 games and earning a mention in the best nine times, having made his senior debut in 2024. Claimed the club best-and-fairest award and finished runner-up in the league medal. An exciting addition to the club, capable of playing ruck, forward, or down back.

Logan Martin (Panton Hill)

The talented small forward comes across with new coach Steve McCallum after an impressive under-19s campaign with the Redbacks. Played 17 games and kicked 17 goals as the club made Division 3 finals. Finished runner-up in the club best-and-fairest and also added two senior games after making his debut last year.

Mitch Crapper (West Preston-Lakeside)

Brings some critical top-flight experience to the Turtles and joins his brother Joel. Was a part of West Preston’s 2019 premiership but injuries have cruelled his footy in recent years. If healthy, will be a major addition to a Collegians side looking to jump back up the ladder.

Reuben Thomson (Hurstbridge)

The 21-year-old promises to be the Turtles new spearhead. Stuck behind the likes of Joel Naylor and Bailey Jordan at the Bridges, Thomson is looking for a senior opportunity and will be a major addition to Collegians’ attack. Didn’t play in 2025 but is coming off a couple of very promising seasons at under-19 level. Booted 53 majors in 2023 before 16 goals and nine bests in 12 outings in 2024.

OLD PARADIANS

Ben Bisset (Pyramid Hill, Loddon Valley)

A huge get for the Raiders, securing the key forward from country footy. Bisset bagged 74 goals in 17 matches in the Loddon Valley league this year, finishing third in the league goalkicking, and earning Team of the Year honours at centre half-forward. Brings top-flight experience from his days in Queensland at Morningside and Alexandra Hills.

ST MARY’S

Harry Butterworth (Bundoora)

The Burras junior is back at Whatmough Park after four seasons at Division 1 club Bundoora. Played 41 senior games for the Bulls and made two VFL appearances for Carlton last year. Brings all that experience back to St Mary’s in a major boost to the club’s 2026 ambitions. Capable of playing across multiple positions.

BIG OUTS

Xavier Dimasi (Seymour)

The long-time Whittlesea captain has departed after seven seasons at the Showgrounds. Played 102 senior games, won a Division 2 premiership in 2019, Division 2 league best-and-fairest and many more club awards in a decorated career. Had his 2025 season cut short after a horrific injury saw him suffer multiple facial fractures in Round 2. Returns to his junior club Seymour in the Goulburn Valley league.

Phoenix Spicer (Hoppers Crossing)

Never played a game for Fitzroy Stars but was one of the club’s high-profile additions last summer. Was VFL-listed at Footscray but injuries limited the former North Melbourne small forward to just five games.

 

[tasmanlvr]

Few names missing on that Northern piece tbh. Can imagine it'll only get busier this month before pre-season in November

 

[ONTHEPROWL]

Anyone from South Morang here?

Hearing nothing but turmoil happening. Sackings, walkouts......

Could just be the off-season rumour mill but that's all we have at the moment but from what I overheard they are after a new coach and any relation of his has signed at newly promoted Div1 side and others deciding their future lays elsewhere.

If true wonder if sacking the coach was the reason for all this.

Have heard both Kalpakis’ have signed with Doutta Stars

 

[Big Unit 30]

Nice that this isn’t a rumor any longer. Great get for the club

 

[Denny Crane]

South Morang exodus rumours gathering legs.

With coach gone I hear sons are at Diamo or Hursty.

At least 4 to Doutta Stars including SM juniors and brothers Kalpakis.

Cumberland off to bush.

Does not look like a quick rebound will be as easy as their supporters thought.

 

[FootyNuff123]

South Morang exodus rumours gathering legs.

With coach gone I hear sons are at Diamo or Hursty.

At least 4 to Doutta Stars including SM juniors and brothers Kalpakis.

Cumberland off to bush.

Does not look like a quick rebound will be as easy as their supporters thought.

One of Hall's sons unlikely to play the other likely to land at Hursty.
Only the Kalpakis boys to Douttas.
Cumberland back to QLD for family reasons.

 

[Denny Crane]

One of Hall's sons unlikely to play the other likely to land at Hursty.
Only the Kalpakis boys to Douttas.
Cumberland back to QLD for family reasons.

Mardini gone.

 

[thankyoucomeagain]

Rumours Farchione nd blackmore Moore brothers with dell rocca all reuniting at ivanhoe as 1 pointers to join forces with Horsefield and Federico as old Marcellin boys. Heidelberg nervous wilson and tardio mite go bak after the 150 year and cecchin who’s part of marcellin too

 

[Champ or Chump]

Rumours Farchione nd blackmore Moore brothers with dell rocca all reuniting at ivanhoe as 1 pointers to join forces with Horsefield and Federico as old Marcellin boys. Heidelberg nervous wilson and tardio mite go bak after the 150 year and cecchin who’s part of marcellin too

Heidelberg are not nervous of anything, including the absolutely NO CHANCE opportunity of Wilson and Tardio returning to the Hoers. The others are a chance

 

[thankyoucomeagain]

Heidelberg are not nervous of anything, including the absolutely NO CHANCE opportunity of Wilson and Tardio returning to the Hoers. The others are a chance

Ivanhoe22 playin reza50

 

[Denny Crane]

Influx coming to the NFNL now Preston Bullant's have sadly closed up shop?

 

[10571z]

Influx coming to the NFNL now Preston Bullant's have sadly closed up shop?

Every player already has a nominated home club. But you just may see them more regularly

 

[Archangel17]

Influx coming to the NFNL now Preston Bullant's have sadly closed up shop

Influx coming to the NFNL now Preston Bullant's have sadly closed up shop?

They haven't closed up shop, they have been kicked out of the VFL. If they can clear debt you may well see them in the NFNL

 

[10571z]

They haven't closed up shop, they have been kicked out of the VFL. If they can clear debt you may well see them in the NFNL

With what players…

Why would the clubs vote them in when most of their players have NFNL clubs as their home clubs

 

[Archangel17]

Fair point

With what players…

Why would the clubs vote them in when most of their players have NFNL clubs as their home clubs

Fair point however there have been many VFL clubs return to local football over the years. Some have disappeared though a few do still exist. They also have plenty of players from the EDFL and the VAFA but I wouldn't expect them to hold onto their current list if they moved - for one they couldn't fit them in the salary cap

 

[just ask!!!]

One of Hall's sons unlikely to play the other likely to land at Hursty.
Only the Kalpakis boys to Douttas.
Cumberland back to QLD for family reasons.

Family reasons ok. Quick money grab and off he goes.

 

[tasmanlvr]

Dare say we will see a fairly different Kinglake team in 2026 with a couple of departures but a real positive that they have good interest in 19s numbers.

Rohan King off to Yea as playing assistant

 

[HighQualityH20]

Any word on the Banyule coaching situation?