VFL VFL General Discussion - 2026

[Jen2310]

I certainly hope Brady Grey is playing on, because he was very good for us last year, and (despite bringing in some ex-AFL recruits) there's not a lot of experienced types on that list. I think he'd be the strongest candidate to captain the side, and can't think who'd get the nod if he didn't.

I agree, hopefully he does too. We'll need his experience and maturity to nuture the kids especially through the middle of the ground, given we've gotten much younger.

 

[35Daicos]

This is the ex-Carlton VFL recruit:

From 2025^.

This is from four years ago, but he must have shown a bit to be in contention for a senior list spot: https://www.afl.com.au/news/702257/...ichael-lewis-in-mix-for-blues-final-list-spot


Nick Thompson (from a year ago): https://www.facebook.com/eaglehawkf...eason-2025-nick-joins-/1009945547842708/?_rdr

https://www.playhq.com/public/profile/6e094a1c-804d-4e21-aa81-15904956ff93/statistics

Laverty kicked plenty of goals in 2025, looks to have a bit of size about him, and might be a key forward prospect.

 

[Jen2310]

This is the ex-Carlton VFL recruit:
View attachment 2520397
From 2025^.

This is from four years ago, but he must have shown a bit to be in contention for a senior list spot: https://www.afl.com.au/news/702257/...ichael-lewis-in-mix-for-blues-final-list-spot
View attachment 2520398
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Nick Thompson (from a year ago): https://www.facebook.com/eaglehawkf...eason-2025-nick-joins-/1009945547842708/?_rdr
View attachment 2520406
View attachment 2520407

View attachment 2520410

https://www.playhq.com/public/profile/6e094a1c-804d-4e21-aa81-15904956ff93/statistics

View attachment 2520412
Laverty kicked plenty of goals in 2025, looks to have a bit of size about him, and might be a key forward prospect.

I'm told Nick Thompson is a tough competitor. Missed his draft year with a foot injury so came back as a 19 year old last year.
He's versatile, a team orientated player. Those he played with or knew from bendigo the likes of Shanahan and Travaglia would have him as one of the best teammates from the pioneers.

Got played in some defensive roles for Bendigo to allow others to be more prominent.

With Michael Lewis. I hadn't heard about him until recently. Trained with the afl side a couple weeks ago, down back and seemed pretty capable.

Laverty def a big goal kicker for Wangaratta. There was actually an incident with him last year where he got king hit from behind. You can google it.
Also played for Murray Bushrangers a couple years ago.
From what ive seen. He's got great endurance for someone his size. Big boy too. And from what I was told, he just loves footy. Makes the trek from Wangaratta 3x a week to attend training to gain a list spot -- so the hard work paid off. Plans on moving to melb though.

 

[35Daicos]

I'm told Nick Thompson is a tough competitor. Missed his draft year with a foot injury so came back as a 19 year old last year.
He's versatile, a team orientated player. Those he played with or knew from bendigo the likes of Shanahan and Travaglia would have him as one of the best teammates from the pioneers.

Got played in some defensive roles for Bendigo to allow others to be more prominent.

With Michael Lewis. I hadn't heard about him until recently. Trained with the afl side a couple weeks ago, down back and seemed pretty capable.

Laverty def a big goal kicker for Wangaratta. There was actually an incident with him last year where he got king hit from behind. You can google it.
Also played for Murray Bushrangers a couple years ago.
From what ive seen. He's got great endurance for someone his size. Big boy too. And from what I was told, he just loves footy. Makes the trek from Wangaratta 3x a week to attend training to gain a list spot -- so the hard work paid off. Plans on moving to melb though.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/high-hopes-country-suburban-guns-hit-the-vfl/news-story/16191e629b3121cb74d779c3c6051e1d?amp

 

[Jen2310]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/high-hopes-country-suburban-guns-hit-the-vfl/news-story/16191e629b3121cb74d779c3c6051e1d?amp

View attachment 2520424

There is a little bit there on Nick Thomson too.

 

[Harry O]

This is the ex-Carlton VFL recruit:
View attachment 2520397
From 2025^.

This is from four years ago, but he must have shown a bit to be in contention for a senior list spot: https://www.afl.com.au/news/702257/...ichael-lewis-in-mix-for-blues-final-list-spot
View attachment 2520398
View attachment 2520399
Nick Thompson (from a year ago): https://www.facebook.com/eaglehawkf...eason-2025-nick-joins-/1009945547842708/?_rdr
View attachment 2520406
View attachment 2520407

View attachment 2520410

https://www.playhq.com/public/profile/6e094a1c-804d-4e21-aa81-15904956ff93/statistics

View attachment 2520412
Laverty kicked plenty of goals in 2025, looks to have a bit of size about him, and might be a key forward prospect.

Lewis seems the Glover replacement

If the afl list have a decent injury run there will be some good players missing out on VFL selection each week

 

[Jen2310]

Lewis seems the Glover replacement

If the afl list have a decent injury run there will be some good players missing out on VFL selection each week

Yeah it’s good to recruit well but geez how to fit them all in good problem to have

 

[Jen2310]

 

[manicpie]

I was wondering who are key defenders would be, couple of good signings

 

[Kirby]

I have been called a bit*h once or twice in my life

So has jathanas

 

[Kappa]

Just so sad that the VFL has lost the support from channel 7 and the AFL. I will miss the free to air. I find the AFL focus on many issues just poor. The structure of footy and grass roots support does not appear important in traditional states. Mind blowing or maybe mindless.

The vfl system is not working. We need national reserves with games played as curtain raisers

 

[Peters_Nuts]

Love that we're building a competitive VFL side!

 

[Jen2310]

Last night- more skills based session. And conditioning

 

[Rorzza]

Yes, excited already!

 

[Jen2310]

 

[Jen2310]

 

[Jen2310]

 

[35Daicos]

Just had it confirmed. It is a bit similar to the AFL (where you can have 6 Cat A, and 2 Cat B), with the VFL, you can have 2 Cat B, and they sit outside the normal development list. - Which explains why clubs can have 32 players (30 + 2 Cat B)

So our list may look like currently: You can have 15 primary, 17 development (15 Cat A)

Development lists are aged 22yr or younger, so in saying that.

Primary: (16/15) This doesn't fit.. I forgot Bennetts so had to add him in..

Ben DeBolfo
Harry Kennedy
Brady Grey
Josh Browne
Liam Hude
Harry Mahoney
Michael Lewis
Zavier Maher
Oskar Faulkhead
Charlie McCartin
Taj Woewodin
Brynn Teakle
Will Phillips
Eddie Ford
Ed Perryman
Josh Bennetts


Development (Cat A) - 15/15? May be one available. I'm not convinced Quaynor is guranteed a contract yet.

Ryan Eyre
Angus Sievers (still 22 until end of the year)
Remy MacLean
Conor Willis
Ned Byrne
Max Mahoney
Zai Millane
Oscar Lonie
Nick Thompson
Rod Ali
Jos Landy
Xavier Laverty
Tadhg McCarthy
Luke Quaynor?
Jake Watts

Cat B: (2 Max)
Hamish Collins
Robert Varcoe

Last night- more skills based session. And conditioning


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Excellent! So is there anyone (as far as you know) still training with the group whose name is not on that list of players? Or in other words, is there anyone who might still be trialling for a spot, or do things look pretty much set?

 

[granniewolf]

Excellent! So is there anyone (as far as you know) still training with the group whose name is not on that list of players? Or in other words, is there anyone who might still be trialling for a spot, or do things look pretty much set?

Tosh Lennon?

 

[Mollythedolly]

certainly hope Brady Grey is playing on, because he was very good for us last year, and (despite bringing in some ex-AFL recruits) there's not a lot of experienced types on that list. I think he'd be the strongest candidate to captain the side, and can't think who'd get the nod if he didn't.

I’m more ambivalent toward him playing on. Was a solid contributor last year but I’d rather see the kids get his mid rotations. He can focus on his coaching role.

 

[The Magnificent Seven]

Faulkhead hey? Any guesses as to a nickname?

 

[sr36]

It seems rather generous that clubs could take players from other state leagues and merely list them as Cat B Rookies (VFL), simply because they're indigenous, but in the case of Collins and Varcoe that appears to be what has happened! If they were quite well regarded I can't imagine the SANFL clubs that have lost them would be very happy about it!

I certainly hope Brady Grey is playing on, because he was very good for us last year, and (despite bringing in some ex-AFL recruits) there's not a lot of experienced types on that list. I think he'd be the strongest candidate to captain the side, and can't think who'd get the nod if he didn't.

I think it's a trial with the AFL in mind. There's talk of using that as the model in the AFL to increase the number of opportunities for Aboriginal players - as the NGA pathway hasn't been as successful in that regard as they were expecting.

 

[sr36]

This is the ex-Carlton VFL recruit:
View attachment 2520397
From 2025^.

This is from four years ago, but he must have shown a bit to be in contention for a senior list spot: https://www.afl.com.au/news/702257/...ichael-lewis-in-mix-for-blues-final-list-spot
View attachment 2520398
View attachment 2520399
Nick Thompson (from a year ago): https://www.facebook.com/eaglehawkf...eason-2025-nick-joins-/1009945547842708/?_rdr
View attachment 2520406
View attachment 2520407

View attachment 2520410

https://www.playhq.com/public/profile/6e094a1c-804d-4e21-aa81-15904956ff93/statistics

View attachment 2520412
Laverty kicked plenty of goals in 2025, looks to have a bit of size about him, and might be a key forward prospect.

Good. We've added a couple of KPD in him and Gardiner to help fill the Glover and Dean role. Thought we might be a bit dire in that regard.

 

[35Daicos]

Good. We've added a couple of KPD in him and Gardiner to help fill the Glover and Dean role. Thought we might be a bit dire in that regard.

Yep, it wasn't looking good for a while there. I presume you mean Charlie McCartin (not Gardiner) BTW!

 

[Jen2310]

Excellent! So is there anyone (as far as you know) still training with the group whose name is not on that list of players? Or in other words, is there anyone who might still be trialling for a spot, or do things look pretty much set?

Multiple.
Tosh Lennon
Connor LeeFlang
Blade Sultzberger
Charlie Lawless
Christian Oliveri
Anthony Volta