Patrick Warner has re-signed for 2026, with the experienced utility set for a huge campaign after an injury-riddled season this year.
A Murray Bushranger and senior Ovens and Murray premiership player with Wangaratta Magpies in 2022, Warner didn’t feature until round 10 this season, returning with a game in the reserves before finishing the season strongly with seven straight senior appearances from round 11 to 18.
Capable in every part of the ground, a fit and firing Warner should provide immediate impact for the Saints next season, as they continue their mission to return to the pointy end of the ladder.
The Saints have also regained the signature of exciting young talent and former Benalla junior Connor Breheny, who makes the move back to the Saints after a promising under-18 career with Wangaratta Rovers.
An imposing figure at 193cm (6’4’’) and possessing elite endurance capabilities, Breheny tasted premiership success in the thirds with the Rovers in the 2024 season at 15 years of age, and again playing a pivotal role in their charge to a preliminary final appearance this year.
This year Breheny made his debut for the Murray Bushrangers’ under-18 side as a bottom-age player, making appearances in three-straight games from round 13 to 15, while again earning selection in the Coates Talent League side’s pre-season squad for 2026.
The Saints have also recently confirmed their 2026 thirds coaching line-up, with Jack Smyth to once again lead the under-18 side as coach next season.
Having guided the Saints to five wins in his first year in the role this season and set high standards for leadership and development, Smyth will also take on an assistant coach role with the senior side next year.
Smyth will be supported by three assistants in Adam Levy, Peter Robertson and current senior player Ethan Maney, while new senior coach Nick Pearson is also on board with the thirds as a silent mentor, helping to establish a pathway from under-18 to senior football.
