The Gippsland League will welcome seven new senior coaches in 2026.
With pre‑season plans taking shape and lists being built, a significant amount of clubs across the league have confirmed new senior coaches.
Information provided by the clubs’ official Facebook pages.
Drouin
Drouin has appointed Jordan Kingi as Playing Head Coach for 2026. Kingi’s background includes being one of two coaches to have led Drouin’s senior men into Gippsland League finals, coaching the club’s Under-18s to the 2024 finals, VFL system experience with Casey Demons, more than 200 senior games for Drouin and a club Best & Fairest. On his return, Kingi said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the kids again. We are not far away, our list is talented and with a good pre-season back on our home deck, we can make some big leaps forward.”
Maffra
Maffra has appointed Hayden Burgiel as Head Senior Coach for 2026–2027. Burgiel was drafted to Hawthorn in the 1997 AFL National Draft and played 14 senior seasons for Maffra (2000–2013). His achievements include 7× Gippsland League premiership player, 2× Maffra Best & Fairest, 2× Gippsland League Best & Fairest, coaching the Gippsland interleague team for five consecutive years, a playing-coach stint at Sale City (2014–2015, NGFNL) and 8 seasons coaching at Gippsland Power. He also appeared as a punter for Lenoir-Rhyne University in the U.S., noted as the oldest freshman in NCAA football history.
Morwell
Morwell has appointed Shaun Mooney as Senior Coach for 2026–2027. Mooney’s record includes 3× premiership player, 2× coaching premierships, 300+ senior games, 2025 AFL Gippsland Coach Developer and completion of the AFL Victoria Advanced Coaching Practices course (2024–2025). His coaching experience spans the Ovens & Murray Football League, the Gippsland League, Lucknow (East Gippsland FL) and roles with Gippsland Power.
Sale
Sale has appointed Jack Leslie as Senior Coach for 2026. Leslie is a former Sale junior who played 28 AFL games with the Gold Coast Suns as a key defender. He is a multiple Gippsland League Team of the Year member and has served as a senior assistant coach. Due to a sustained knee injury, Leslie will coach in a non-playing capacity in 2026, with plans to transition to a playing-coach role thereafter.
Traralgon
Traralgon has confirmed its men’s football coaching panel for 2026, with Dylan Loprese appointed Senior Coach, succeeding 2024 premiership coach Troy Hamilton. Loprese captained the Maroons’ 2025 premiership side and delivered a strong season as a forward, kicking 50+ goals and earning Gippsland League Team of the Year selection. He will lead a confirmed coaching structure comprising Peter Ruyters (Reserves/Development), Troy Adams (Under 18s) and Adam Jaensch (Under 16s).
Warragul
Warragul has appointed Gary Ayres as Senior Coach on a two-year term. Ayres played 269 games for Hawthorn, winning five premierships and two Norm Smith Medals, and served as club captain (1992–1993). His honours include the Peter Crimmins Medal (1986), induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame (1999), selection in Hawthorn’s Team of the Century and Hawthorn Hall of Fame, and 3× VFL/AFL Team of the Year (1983, 1986, 1988). His coaching career includes Geelong (assistant 1994; senior coach 1995–1999, 1995 Grand Final), Adelaide (senior coach 2000–2004, finals), Essendon (assistant) and Port Melbourne (VFL senior coach for 14 seasons; premierships in 2011 and 2017), followed by Montrose (EFNL).
Wonthaggi
Wonthaggi has appointed Tristan Francis as Senior Coach for 2026. Francis’ pathway includes Gippsland Power, Collingwood, and a VFL premiership with Port Melbourne. He has spent the past five years as an assistant coach at Wonthaggi. The club has noted his long-standing involvement with the program and confirmed the appointment alongside acknowledgement of support from his family.
Returning coaches
As noted by clubs, Bairnsdale (Kane Ashwood), Leongatha (Trent McMicking) and Moe (Leigh Poholke) are continuing in their senior coaching roles for 2026.
The player transfer window opens on 1 November, marking the official start of the movement period. Clubs will continue to post announcements on their Facebook pages, and the League will share key updates via its website.
Information provided by the clubs’ official Facebook pages.
