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INS: Campbell Smedley (Bonnie Doon), Will Kelly (Collingwood),
OUTS: Jack Hutchins (Edithvale Aspendale)
ONE TO WATCH: CALLUM BROWN
The 2025 Morrison Medallist is returning into the gold wings of Mansfield in 2026, and undoubtedly is a presence to watch on the field this GVL season. The former AFL footballer averaged 33.3 disposals, 6.1 inside 50s and 8.3 clearances for the preliminary finalists, highlighting the class he oozes in and around the contest.
COACHES CORNER / MITCH WAREHAM
What’s the biggest focus for your group in 2026?
Just improvement, we made the prelim last year and it’s given us lots of confidence. We’re trying to get one step further.
What will supporters notice about this team?
We’ve got a lot of young guys hitting their 50 to 100 game mark this season. So especially for the locals, they’ll see those guys be more consistent and be more standout players for us.
What’s your side’s greatest strength?
We’ve got a lot of young fit blokes, so fitness will be our strength. We want speed on the ball to be a key area we excel at.
What still needs the most work?
Playing out full quarters. Last year against top sides we had patches where we were heavily scored against, and it would be that five minute period across a quarter that cost us in those big games.
What does success look like for this group in 2026?
To go deep in finals. Obviously there’s a few changes either way in and out, but we have the standard set for what we can achieve. It won’t be unlike what most other clubs are setting out for.
PULL QUOTE
We set the benchmark for ourselves last year, now the standard is set. We want to go far again.
Jayden Howes
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Cody George and William Hogan
Photo by
Megan Fisher
22°C