2026 DIVISION 1 MEN’S PREVIEW: SPOTSWOOD
2025 RECAP
POSITION & RECORD (TIV Div 1):
Seniors: 5th (10-8 F:0-1). Reserves: 9th (6-12)
SENIOR BEST & FAIREST RESULTS:
Winner: James Cleaver Runner up: David Iaccarino
LEADING GOAL KICKERS:
Seniors: Sam Cross (37 goals) Reserves: Mitchell Schibeci (34 goals)
TEAM OF THE YEAR SELECTIONS: James Cleaver (HF), David Iaccarino (INT)
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
SENIOR HEAD COACH: Steve O’Bryan (2nd season)
RESERVES COACH: John Reardon
NOTABLE GAINS: Lachie Devine (Murchison-Toolamba), Sam Leitch (Cohuna), Max Mitchell Russell (Port Melbourne Colts), Lincoln Sieben (Rochester), Jackson Williams (Cohuna), Tyler Carrington (Laverton)
NOTABLE LOSSES: Spencer Meagher (Torquay), Jake Buggy (Caulfield Bears), Lachlan Hunter (Manly Warringah Wolves),Ā Ethan Bentley (Boulder City)
2026 SENIOR CAPTAIN: David Iaccarino
PLAYER TO WATCH: Max Hewitt. Made a strong impression last year playing all 19 games in his first season of senior footy and is expected to be even better in year two.
START TO 2026: vs Newport (Rd 1: Apr 11), at Caroline Springs (Rd 2: Apr 18), vs Altona (Rd 3: Apr 25)
FROM THE COACH – Steve O’Bryan
How has the preseason been for the group?
It has been an exciting preseason with a number of new senior guys joining the group for 2026 which has put a whole new buzz around the players. I think the closeness of the group has been outstanding and the understanding between our younger and older players has been excellent.
What has the group done to build connection off the field during preseason?
Preseason camp in Blairgowrie allowed us to get to know each other and build on our desired outcomes for 2026.
What style of play can we expect to see this season?
A very team orientated style of football. Our focus this preseason has been bedding down our team play from last season and developing those plays up a level.
What will define a successful season in 2026?
Improvement on last year. First and foremost we would expect to make finals and go deeper than week one. Keeping players injury free and making sure we have our best team on the park each week will be key to that.