2026 NFNL All Divisions Rumour File

[FootyNuff123]

Any word on the Banyule coaching situation?

Another poster on the Div 1 thread suggested that Rohan Welsh might be there coach now the Bullants are done.

 

[lovelocalfooty11]

Seems like one of the bigger off-seasons in recent memory and more to come, only in October. Player movement rife, coaching changes the works…

 

[Manang Rover]

Another poster on the Div 1 thread suggested that Rohan Welsh might be there coach now the Bullants are done.

which staff member at NFL had a run in with Rohan Welsh at Preston? Be interesting if Rohan Welsh comes into Northern

 

[barrelsomers]

which staff member at NFL had a run in with Rohan Welsh at Preston? Be interesting if Rohan Welsh comes into Northern

Nek minnit the bears get 18 away games fixtured next season

 

[NorthernBastard]

Read somewhere AFL Vic are introducing a sliding scale for points - I beleive some clubs are using it next year

So bottom 3 clubs may still have 46, other clubs less depending on finish position etc. Is NFNL looking at this?

example from 1 league https://aflcentralvic.com.au/2026-afl-central-victoria-community-club-sustainability-program-ccsp/

 

[10571z]

Read somewhere AFL Vic are introducing a sliding scale for points - I beleive some clubs are using it next year

So bottom 3 clubs may still have 46, other clubs less depending on finish position etc. Is NFNL looking at this?

example from 1 league https://aflcentralvic.com.au/2026-afl-central-victoria-community-club-sustainability-program-ccsp/

Stupid idea in metro football. Teams aren’t able to not beat Heidelberg due to points.

 

[Rusted nuts]

Stupid idea in metro football. Teams aren’t able to not beat Heidelberg due to points.

Community football isn’t only about beating Heidelberg.

I think it’s time for a change to the points system to create a system that promotes equality and opportunity for clubs all levels.

Salary cap doesn’t exist anymore but for a few years it felt like all clubs had a chance to compete. Big rich clubs with big successful junior programs have a monopoly on community football due to there ability to attract high end junior talent to the club as 1 point players. Clubs without that resource have zero chance of competing in that space for years to come.

 

[10571z]

Community football isn’t only about beating Heidelberg.

I think it’s time for a change to the points system to create a system that promotes equality and opportunity for clubs all levels.

Salary cap doesn’t exist anymore but for a few years it felt like all clubs had a chance to compete. Big rich clubs with big successful junior programs have a monopoly on community football due to there ability to attract high end junior talent to the club as 1 point players. Clubs without that resource have zero chance of competing in that space for years to come.

How would more points help the bottom clubs? Which clubs would benefit? It’s not the issue in the NFNL

 

[Rusted nuts]

How would more points help the bottom clubs? Which clubs would benefit? It’s not the issue in the NFNL

How would more points help the bottom clubs? Which

Just for discussion sake.

If a sliding scale was in place teams 8-9-10 would have the extra room, say 2-3 points to be able to attract 1-2 more recruits from outside there club which. This would benefit clubs without access to high end junior players running around at other clubs.

Open to discussion.

 

[barrelsomers]

Stupid idea in metro football. Teams aren’t able to not beat Heidelberg due to points.

Yes but it's easier for them to attract talent than some of the other Div1 clubs. For a player that's getting recruited from outside the NFNL, unless you're getting great coin, it's not much of a selling point when you're effectively playing your season for a grand final loss against Heidelberg.

 

[Bojack Horseman IV]

No 21 close to the mark ??

 

[Denny Crane]

This might sound like a facetious smartass comment but with the following gone (allegedly what we are hearing and seeing on other clubs' socials) are South Morang planning to drop to Div 3 and do the double again in a few years? Is there anyone with concrete inside reasons on why the place seems to be imploding, is it just the removal of the coach? Is there more to this walkout?

Both Kalpakis boys
Dintisante
Mardini
Both Hall boys
Cumberland
Stefenile
and hearing a few more off to greener pastures.

No Club, even one dropping a division, can be as competitive as they would have thought after round 18 with their top 10 players not playing again.

 

[Bojack Horseman IV]

This might sound like a facetious smartass comment but with the following gone (allegedly what we are hearing and seeing on other clubs' socials) are South Morang planning to drop to Div 3 and do the double again in a few years? Is there anyone with concrete inside reasons on why the place seems to be imploding, is it just the removal of the coach? Is there more to this walkout?

Both Kalpakis boys
Dintisante
Mardini
Both Hall boys
Cumberland
Stefenile
and hearing a few more off to greener pastures.

No Club, even one dropping a division, can be as competitive as they would have thought after round 18 with their top 10 players not playing again.

Stefanile hasn't walked out on them, he is doing some window shopping whilst he has no contract.
Ideally he was given a coach/player role whilst being at SM.
not 100% at the moment with the new coach. But of course his real estate has gone up so no doubt $$ too

 

[EBERT THE KING]

This might sound like a facetious smartass comment but with the following gone (allegedly what we are hearing and seeing on other clubs' socials) are South Morang planning to drop to Div 3 and do the double again in a few years? Is there anyone with concrete inside reasons on why the place seems to be imploding, is it just the removal of the coach? Is there more to this walkout?

Both Kalpakis boys
Dintisante
Mardini
Both Hall boys
Cumberland
Stefenile
and hearing a few more off to greener pastures.

No Club, even one dropping a division, can be as competitive as they would have thought after round 18 with their top 10 players not playing again.

Where has Cumberland gone?

 

[just ask!!!]

Where has Cumberland gone?

Highest offer?

 

[10571z]

Where has Cumberland gone?

Rumour was back to QLD

 

[danger_wood]

Any truth to West Preston picking up Pascoe Vale’s captain?

 

[10571z]

Any truth to West Preston picking up Pascoe Vale’s captain?

Would be nice revenge if truth

 

[footyhead45]

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 reason

Rumour was back

 

[footyhead45]

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 (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 (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.

LALOR only resigning current players because no one wants to join them and most a way past it , new coach has already quit , can’t form a committee in fact couldn’t even run the AGM due to lack of quorum, will they be able to field 2 sides next season , trying to convince a MOonee Valley assistant to take the coaching reigns

 

[hfchfc]

LALOR only resigning current players because no one wants to join them and most a way past it , new coach has already quit , can’t form a committee in fact couldn’t even run the AGM due to lack of quorum, will they be able to field 2 sides next season , trying to convince a MOonee Valley assistant to take the coaching reigns

Who was the new coach who has quit?

 

[thankyoucomeagain]

Hearin NFNL doin playin in in each div like afl
4-7 play 4 2 spots in top 5
4v7 5v6 winners get finals spot

 

[Rusted nuts]

Hearin NFNL doin playin in in each div like afl
4-7 play 4 2 spots in top 5
4v7 5v6 winners get finals spot

No chance surely

 

[Denny Crane]

Hearin NFNL doin playin in in each div like afl
4-7 play 4 2 spots in top 5
4v7 5v6 winners get finals spot

I love these types of rumours.

Cannot be close to a consideration, actually they will probably do it for juniors to appease the Little Johnny Deserves to Play Finals woke brigade so everyone gets to play finals......but to introduce into seniors would be a joke.

 

[10571z]

I love these types of rumours.

Cannot be close to a consideration, actually they will probably do it for juniors to appease the Little Johnny Deserves to Play Finals woke brigade so everyone gets to play finals......but to introduce into seniors would be a joke.

Zero chance. Would add another week to season which we dont have.