SEASON PREVIEW: DIVISION 2 SENIOR MEN
The Division Two Senior Men’s competition is set to start with a bang this weekend and kicks off on Saturday with a number of intriguing contests including a night match-up between reigning premiers Wyndhamvale and last season’s semi-finalist the Suns.
Words by Rod Carpenter
BRAYBROOK VS NORTH FOOTSCRAY
Saturday 11th April, Pennell Reserve | 2:10pm
Braybrook open their season at home against last year’s runners-up North Footscray in a high-quality Round 1 clash. After finishing fifth in 2025 and exiting in the first week of finals, Braybrook will be eager to take the next step and make an early statement in front of their supporters. North Footscray with new coach Robbie Hudson at the helm enter 2026 as a benchmark side, having finished the home and away season second before playing off in the Grand Final, where they narrowly fell short. With valuable finals experience, consistency and quality in their lineup, including the likely addition of former Melbourne and Collingwood player Lynden Dunn, the Devils present a tough challenge. Both teams have finals ambitions yet again, making this an important early test for both sides.
BRAYBROOK
2025 Record: 10-8 (5th) Elimination Final | Best & Fairest: Nathan Spackman | Leading Goal Kicker: Jarrod Garth (45 goals)
NORTH FOOTSCRAY
2025 Record: 16-2 (2nd) Runner Up | Best & Fairest: Barny Sianos | Leading Goal Kicker: Mathew Serafin (88 goals)
SUNSHINE HEIGHTS VS WEST FOOTSCRAY
Saturday 11th April, Ainsworth Reserve | 2:10pm
Sunshine Heights start their season at home against a strong West Footscray in an intriguing Round 1 clash. After falling short of expectations and finishing seventh last year the Dragons enjoyed a busy offseason bringing in a number of experienced recruits and will be keen to produce a more consistent campaign, using home ground advantage to bring intensity from the outset. West Footscray enter 2026 full of confidence after a third-place finish in 2025, carrying momentum and high expectations. Known for their structure and game control, the Roosters will aim to start strong and will hope Braybrook transfer Jack Vivian can fire early in attack alongside Matthew Turcinovich and co. With both sides eager to prove themselves early, expect a tightly contested and entertaining match with both sides out to open the season on a positive note.
SUNSHINE HEIGHTS
2025 Record: 8-10 (7th) | Best & Fairest: Elliot Rosado | Leading Goal Kicker: Jackson Viola (59 goals)
WEST FOOTSCRAY
2025 Record: 13-5 (3rd) Preliminary Final | Best & Fairest: Jai Haines | Leading Goal Kicker: Matthew Turcinovich (78 goals)
WESTERN RAMS VS LAVERTON
Saturday 11th April, Ian Cowie Recreation Reserve | 2:10pm
Western Rams begin their season at home against Laverton in an evenly poised Round 1 clash. Little separated the sides last year, with Laverton finishing eighth, just one win ahead of the Rams in ninth. Western Rams will be eager to capitalise on home ground advantage and make a strong start after missing out on a rise up the ladder in 2025. Laverton, meanwhile, will look to build on their slight edge and generate early momentum as they also aim to climb higher this season. With both teams closely matched and determined to improve, it shapes as being a hard-fought contest, the Rams out to repeat the result from last year’s early season encounter against the Magpies while Laverton will hope some of its new signings including West Australian recruit Sebastian Boyd can have an early impact.
WESTERN RAMS
2025 Record: 3-15 (9th) | Best & Fairest: Tyler Lewis | Leading Goal Kicker: Tyler Lewis (34 goals)
LAVERTON
2025 Record: 4-14 (8th) | Best & Fairest: Alex Grigg | Leading Goal Kicker: James Sadler (51 goals)
TARNEIT VS ALBANVALE
Saturday 11th April, Wootten Road Reserve | 2:10pm
Tarneit commence their year at home against Albanvale, with both teams eager to start strongly. After a difficult 2025 campaign that saw them finish winless, the Titans will be looking for a fresh start and signs of improvement under new James Foord and will enjoy opening their season on their home ground as they look to build confidence early. Albanvale enter the season motivated after narrowly missing finals last year despite nine wins. The Cobras are capable of matching it with top sides and a return to finals will be their focus in 2026. They have lost some key players from last year but have also added some good pieces including key defender Liam McGarity who crosses from Braybrook. While Tarneit will be an improved outfit the away team should be too strong in this encounter.
TARNIET
2025 Record: 0-18 (12th) | Best & Fairest: Jacob Millar | Leading Goal Kicker: Samuel Roberts (10 goals)
ALBANVALE
2025 Record: 9-9 (6th) | Best & Fairest: Macauley Lonergan | Leading Goal Kicker: Reece Field (30 goals)
WYNDHAMVALE VS SUNS
Saturday 11th April, Wyndhamvale South Reserve | 7:10pm
Wyndhamvale get their 2026 campaign underway at home, unveiling their premiership flag before facing the Suns in a marquee Round 1 clash. Fresh off last season’s triumph and with their premiership winning core still intact Wyndhamvale will be full of confidence and eager to begin their flag defence with a strong performance in front of a passionate home crowd. The Suns loom as a genuine threat after a fourth-place finish and semi-final appearance, proving they can challenge the competition’s best. Armed with several new additions including Dean Galea and Nick Gregson they’ll be determined to underline their credentials. Expect a high-quality, intense contest as Wyndhamvale celebrates success and the Suns aiming to spoil the occasion.
WYNDHAMVLE
2025 Record: 17-1 (1st) Premiers | Best & Fairest: Cameron Morrison | Leading Goal Kicker: Lewis Stanton (125 goals)
SUNS
2025 Record: 10-8 (4th) Semi Final | Best & Fairest: Matthew Wright | Leading Goal Kicker: Hamish Holmes (25 goals)
View the full 2026 fixture and get live scores, results and ladders HERE