2026 DIVISION 1 MEN’S PREVIEW: HOPPERS CROSSING
2025 RECAP
POSITION & RECORD (TIV Div 1):
Seniors: Fourth (13-5 F:1-1). Reserves: Third (14-4, F:1-2)
SENIOR BEST & FAIREST RESULTS:
Winner: Ashlin Brown Runner up: Josh Pickess
LEADING GOAL KICKERS:
Seniors: Ryan Kitchen (50 goals) Reserves: Oliver Scomazzon (37 goals)
TEAM OF THE YEAR SELECTIONS: Braden Ferrari (FB), Ashlin Brown (HB), Josh Pickess (FP)
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
SENIOR COACH: Jared Polec (3rd season)
RESERVES COACH: Jason Dowie
NOTABLE GAINS: Jared Polec (time off), Nick Sing (Portarlington), Tex Milroy (Coolangatta Tweed), Jarrod Cahoon (year off)
NOTABLE LOSSES: Jed Anderson (Pascoe Vale), Josh Pickess (Palm Beach Currumbin), Jason Pongracic (Newcastle City), Liam Kalos (Werribee Centrals), Mitch Kunigiskis (Mulwala), Zach Vesty (Bacchus Marsh)
2026 SENIOR CAPTAIN: Liam McMahon
PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Dounas. Has set himself up for a breakout year by working on his strength over preseason ahead of a more permanent move into midfield in 2026.
START TO 2026: vs Point Cook Centrals (Rd 1: Apr 11), at Sunshine (Rd 2: Apr 18), vs Werribee Districts (Rd 3: Apr 25)
FROM THE COACH – Jared Polec
How has preseason been for the group?
We’re building nicely and will continue to build throughout the season but we’re now just ready to get back into playing some games for premiership points.
What have been the main areas of focus during preseason training?
Offence is clearly the direction most sides will be focused on with the new rules that have been implemented. Our biggest focus has been our forward connection, we really want to get more out of our inside 50s.
Have there been any standout moments or highlights from preseason?
It’s been really encouraging to see our 18 year olds really driving the senior players to higher standards.
What will define a successful season in 2026?
I believe it’s winning the ultimate game, but you have to work hard to get there first. Throughout the season one of our biggest challenges will be preparing to play our best football for four quarters no matter the team or day, to give ourselves a shot at finals. When we’re there, we believe we can do some damage.