2026 DIVISION 1 MEN’S PREVIEW: NEWPORT
2025 RECAP
POSITION & RECORD (TIV Div 1):
Seniors: 10th (6-12). Reserves: Fourth (12-6, F:1-1)
SENIOR BEST & FAIREST RESULTS:
Winner: Nayef Hamad Runner up: Darcy Cassar
LEADING GOAL KICKERS:
Seniors: Joel Freeman (25 goals) Reserves: Radwan Haddara (56 goals)
TEAM OF THE YEAR SELECTIONS: Nayef Hamad (RR)
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
SENIOR COACH: Ali Hamad (2nd season)
RESERVES COACH: Junior Time
NOTABLE GAINS: Ivan Maric (Hahndorf), Ahmed Saad (Pasco Vale), Bilal Chehade (Point Cook Centrals), Hussein Kadour (injury), Angus Maclean (Henty)
NOTABLE LOSSES: Nayef Hamad (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Belal Abou-Eid (West Coburg), Mohamed Fofana (Pascoe Vale), Joel Freeman (Bacchus Marsh), Ezzat Haddara (Northern Saints), Sam Macafee (Port Melbourne Colts), Amin Naim (North Adelaide), Muhammad Saad (West Coburg), Joshua Smith (Central District).
2026 SENIOR CAPTAIN: Jack Papachatzakis
PLAYER TO WATCH: Hussein Kadour. A tall key position player with real presence who returns from injury in 2026. Impressed at underage level and for the Western Jets to earn an invite to train with Footscray VFL before missing all of last season.
START TO 2026: at Spotswood (Rd 1: Apr 11), vs Altona (Rd 2: Apr 18), at Parkside (Rd 3: Apr 25)
FROM THE COACH – Ali Hamad
How has preseason been for the group?
The preseason has been really strong, the boys came back fit, hungry, and connected. There’s been great buy in and competition across the group, now it’s about taking that into the season. For us we’re focused on building a team-first environment where everyone takes accountability.
Have there been any standout moments or highlights from preseason?
A highlight for myself, the playing group and the club has been the appointment of new captain Jack Papachatzakis, he’s been a great support for myself and even better role model for the playing group, setting admirable standards. Another has been the appointment of new senior assistant coaches Zammy Muhtari, Ben Williams and Nando Adorno. They’ve been exceptional people to lean on in a time where the club is continuing its growth and identity.
What has the group done to build connection off the field?
We’re already a naturally tight group with a strong community feel, so it’s just been about building on that and strengthening those bonds. Saturday sessions followed by breakfast, a Ramadan Iftar dinner where everyone brought food, and even group chats to keep everyone connected daily.
What style of play can we expect to see this season?
We want to play a disciplined, team-first brand of football, continue developing our group, and ultimately put ourselves in a strong position to compete for years to come.
What will define a successful season in 2026?
It’ll be defined by our growth and consistency. With a developing list, the challenge is fast-tracking that growth while still competing week to week. We want to see clear development in our group, translate that into wins, and build a strong, positive environment where players enjoy coming in and driving standards together. If we can drive our standards as a whole group and stay consistent, the results will take care of themselves.