2026 DIVISION 1 MEN’S PREVIEW: SUNSHINE
2025 RECAP
POSITION & RECORD (TIV Div 1):
Seniors: 11th (2-16). Reserves: 11th (3-1-14)
SENIOR BEST & FAIREST RESULTS:
Winner: Stuart Purves Runner up: Thomas Schwarzenberg & Mark Mazzeo
LEADING GOAL KICKERS:
Seniors: Riley Buckland & Mathew Medcraft (15 goals) Reserves: Marcus Mangion (12 goals)
TEAM OF THE YEAR SELECTIONS: Nil
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
SENIOR HEAD COACH: Guy Barbuto (3rd season)
RESERVES COACH:
NOTABLE GAINS: Ben Mazziol (Essendon Doutta Stars), Fred Valpied (Uni Blacks)*, Tom Bishop (Fitzroy), Tom Davidson (St Kevins) Oliver Doyle (St Kevins) – *VFL listed in 2026
NOTABLE LOSSES: Jordan Davis (Melton Centrals)
2026 SENIOR CAPTAIN: Patrick O’Keefe
PLAYER TO WATCH: Lucas Ash. Made four senior appearances last year and is part of the Western Jets in 2026. Should get plenty of opportunities at senior level this season.
START TO 2026: at Altona (Rd 1: Apr 11), vs Hoppers Crossing (Rd 2: Apr 18), at Albion (Rd 3: Apr 25)
FROM THE COACH – Guy Barbuto
What have been the main areas of focus during preseason training
Fitness and ball use. The big focus has been our fitness across the entire program to be able to run out games, as we think we’ll be one of the youngest groups in the competition.
Have there been any standout moments or highlights from preseason?
Numbers have been great and we are continuing to develop. Another highlight has been gym sessions with our strength and conditioning team Stronger by Design.
Who are the players helping drive standards within the group?
Our captain Patrick O’Keefe and leaders Stuart Purves, Mark Mazzeo, Nick McKay and Daniel Torcia.
What will define a successful season in 2026?
We want to avoid lapses in game which we saw last year and adapt to the modes of play. Overall, we want to continue to build a great culture along with better results on the field. The challenge is to continue to want to improve and catch the giants of the competition.