SEASON PREVIEW 2025

Check out the ins and outs for the Senior and A Grade squads for season 2025 as we preview each club for the year to come.

Football

Heart break in 2024 with the side narrowly missing an opportunity for a home final. Are again looking to crack the top five and will be relying on their youth development. Logan Austin departs the club after a number of years of service and will leave a big hole on and off the field with local Kane Ashwood taking over as coach. They will be hoping to see a few games from Cooper Vickery as he mixes VFL commitments after his stint with Sydney.

Bairnsdale

In: Cameron McPhan (Buln Buln), Jack White (Barellan United), Oscar Pike, Caleb Crofts (Paynesville), Lucas Lakey (Lindenow), Cooper Vickery (Sydney Swans),
Out: Logan Austin (West Adelaide), Link McKenna, Matt Corbett (Lucknow)

VFL: Cooper Vickery (Carlton)

Gippsland Power: Jonah Walker, Jesse Bills, Jobe Froud, Wil Malady

Netball

The Red Legs head into season 2025 after a long awaited finals berth in A Grade in 2024. The side has lost Tayla Falconer who was a solid contributor last season but will be strengthened by their younger players development. Gippsland Stars Championship defender Sally Deller will likely play in goals again with fellow Gippsland Star Alison Dwyer set to lead the defence with Brielle Malady. They will be a good chance again to taste finals action and grow netball in East Gippsland.

Bairnsdale

Ins: Sophie Scott (Juniors)

Out: Olivia Betts, Tayla Falconer

VNL: Alison Dwyer, Sally Deller, Paris Dunkley, Anna Mooney (Gippsland Stars)

Football

The Hawks are in for a year of development on and off the field with a number of key departures from their squad coinciding with their ground renovation. They have signed some younger players that will be hoping to show their wares in the Gippsland League and replace their departing stars. The ground redevelopment should hold them in good stead moving forward to start to rebuild their playing group and will be aiming to get games into their younger talent in 2025. It will always be a tough task to replace the senior experience of likes of Ed Morris, Mitch Cotter, Tim Hancock and Jordan Kingi but the new football department led by coach Lee Horsborough and star Kye Quirk will have hopes that their squad can be competitive.

Drouin

In: Zayne Atkins (Newcastle City), Tomas Unferdorben (Melton Centrals), Darcy Britt (Nilma Darnum), Noah LaFrantz, Kyle Baker (Warragul), Riley Wierzbicki (Officer)
Out: Eddie Morris (Garfield), Tom Johnstone (Kew), Jacob Sandman, Tom Evans (East Brighton), Ryan Taylor, Jordan Kingi, Clayton Kingi (Ellinbank), Tim Hancock (Warragul Industrials), Ryan Quirk, Mitch Cotter (Montrose), Xavier Kinder (Springvale Districts), Will Papley (Neerim South)

VFL: Sebastiano Amoroso (Box Hill)

Gippsland Power: Brodie Atkins

Netball

After a run to the Preliminary Final in 2024, Drouin will be hoping to be there abouts again in September. A good mix of youth and experienced players will hold them in good stead. Reigning League best and fairest April Bethune will be a key in defence with Karina Healey set to play a big role in the front court in 2025. Expect them to be a finals team again in 2025.

Drouin

In: Reagan Joyce (Juniors)

Out: Ava Gaul

VNL: Stacie Gardiner, Charlize Traumanis, Lucy McKellar (Gippsland Stars), April Bethune (Peninsula Waves)

Football

Leongatha

The dynasty shows no signs of slowing up with a host of key inclusions led by Aaron Heppell’s return. Ben Harding looks to be a great pickup from the VAFA and former Gippsland Power player Patrick Ireland joins after kicking 100 goals in the district leagues in 2024. They have lost premiership experience from the group with Jack Ginnane & Aaron Hillbergs departure however look set to have the forward roles covered with the key inclusions. Dyson Heppell rejoins the list after a distinguished AFL career and is also joined by former Bomber Kaine Baldwin, we hope to see them in action when the breaks in the VFL are scheduled.

In: Ben Harding (Old Melburnians), Patrick Ireland (Buln Buln), Jacob Warne (Oakleigh Districts), Isaac Fox (Korumburra Bena), Brok Davidson (East Malvern), Mitch De Kleuver (Poowong)
Out: Jack Ginnane (Inverloch Kongwak), Aaron Hillberg (Neerim Neerim South), Josh Schelling (Meeniyan Dumbalk United), Jacob Lamers (Fish Creek), Jesse Burns (Hill End)

VFL: Dyson Heppell, Kaine Baldwin (Port Melbourne), Jenson Garnham, Patrick Ireland (Casey)

Gippsland Power: Hamish Gill

Netball

Missed the finals in 2024 after a long run at the top of the A Grade table. Arguably the League’s best player Taylah Brown returns after a year focused on representative duties. Brown was recently named in the Melbourne Mavericks Suncorp Super Netball reserve team. Should be better placed to make a return to finals in 2025 and will be keen to pick up a few more of the close games against the finals sides this season.

Leongatha

In: Taylah Brown (Returning), Amy Scott (IKFNC)

Out: Kate Browne (ACL), Emma Allman

VNL: Taylah Brown (Boroondara Express), Gemma Meadley (Casey), Amy Scott (Hawks)

Football

It will be another season of development for the young Eagles side. They showed plenty of glimpses in 2024 and still have a number of elite veterans on their list. Alex Carr had a standout season and will agin be one of the competitions best while Jett Killoran broke out in his first Senior year and is a star of the future. A few former players return however the losses of Kade Renooy and Ashton Wright will hurt their depth. Expect to see them blood plenty of their premiership juniors to continue their build to their next flag window.

Maffra

In: Dylan Alexander (Caloundra), Josh Davis
Out: Kade Renooy, Jordan Stubbe (Boisdale Briagolong), Henry Anderson (Collegians), Ashton Wright (Sale)

Gippsland Power: Zachary O'Keefe, Will Burgiel, Judd Burgiel

Netball

No information provided by the club

Maffra

In: Paige Biddle, Ava Buckland

Out: Keisha Jackson

Football

Could this be the year for the Lions? They are setup for their best chance to break their premiership drought and many have them as the favourites after a massive off season. A host of key recruits led by former AFL talent Myles Poholke and Ben Crocker, a new coach and star forward in Leigh Poholke and some district league talent adding further depth to a stacked list. They will be a fascinating watch this season and should be a lock for a finals double chance if the list stays fit. 

Moe

In: Ben Crocker (Rosebud), Tom Murphy (Somerville), Bailey Wardle (Keysborough), Alex Dijkstra (Bunyip), Aaron Paxton, Leigh Poholke, Myles Poholke (Sorrento), Kurt Holt (Churchill), Matt Roberts (Neerim South), Luke Cheffers (Yinnar)
Out: Tyler Pratt (Neerim Neerim South), Lachlan McGrath (Trafalgar), Lucas Forato (Retired), Jesse Chilla (Mirboo North)

VFL: Tom Murphy (Frankston), Riley Baldi (Casey)

Gippsland Power: Liam Masters, Max Woodall, Luke Cheffers, Bobby Higgins, Jordan Shields, Thomas Matthews

Netball

Reigning back to back premiers only get better by adding a star goaler to their list in Ashlea Mawer. Comes to Gippsland League with a host of accolades from Tasmania and sits also with Hawks Championship team in the Victorian Netball League where in the first three weeks she shot 126 goals at 95% accuracy in the states top grade. This will allow Ramayer Gourley to play back in defence where she plays at state league level pairing with fellow state league Championship defender Olivia Barnett. The Lions will be favorites again to be lifting the cup at season's end again

Moe

In: Ashlea Mawer (Tasmania)

Out: Emma McMillan

VNL: Ramayer Keilty, Hollie Bugeja (Gippsland Stars) Ashlea Mawer, Olivia Barnett (Hawks), Alex Moody (Saints), Georgia Moody (North East Blaze)

Football

The Tigers will be looking to break into the final five again with a host of returning players to the club. Former MVP Anthony Rosato returns after a few seasons at district League level while Nathan Noblett and Isaac Abas will be key players that were missing in their recent years. Expect them to be there abouts in the finals race and would be arguably the best chance from the non finalist to make the jump into the five in 2025.

Morwell

In: Anthony Rosato (Thorpdale), Nathan Noblett (Noble Park), Isaac Abas (Morwell East), Tom Caile (West Footscray), Mac McInnes (Trafalgar)
Out: Tyler Brown (Yallourn Yallourn North)

Gippsland Power: Goy Jiath

Netball

A rare season without finals action in 2024 has seen a big recruiting drive in the off season. 2023 League best and fairest Tanya Budge returns from injury along with former premiership player and Gippsland Stars captain Daisy Hill. Casey VNL player Holly Stephens joins the side and will partner Hill in the goal ring while Gippsland Stars player Jayde Parsons joins from Heyfield after her maiden season as a VNL listed player with the Stars. Odds on to rejoin the top five and will likely be competing for the double chance and another run at a Grand Final and Premiership in 2025.

Morwell

In: Tanya Budge (Returning), Daisy Hill (Returning), Holly Stephens (Longwarry), Jayde Parsons (Heyfield)

Out: Rachel Tatterson, Seisha Boyd Thomas, Bella Bettridge

VNL: Daisy Hill, Anna Solomon, Chloe Radford, Jayde Parsons (Gippsland Stars), Holly Stephens (Casey)

Football

One of the interesting sides coming into 2025. The Magpies have had a great run over the past few seasons led by their stars but have some big changes to their list this year. Key players Hudson Holmes, Cody Henness and Jonty McGuiness depart however have a number of returning and younger players joining their list led by Cooper Whitehill, Tom Wrigglesworth and Ashton Wright. Finished fifth last year after Preliminary and Grand Final appearances in the previous seasons. Should be again challenging for finals this year.

Sale

In: Cooper Whitehill (Sale City), Harry Ronchi, Lachie Ronchi, Thomas Wrigglesworth, Connor Waixel (Overseas), Ashton Wright (Maffra)
Out: Jonty McGuiness (Collegians), Cody Henness (Balranald), Hudson Holmes (Montmorency), Nathan Whitford (Overseas)

VFL: Ashton Wright (Werribee)

Gippsland Power: Will Murray, Harry Tatterson

Netball

The Magpies will again be looking for development in their A Grade side this season. Finished 9^th last year and will improve with some youth added into the squad led by Teagan Harrison in goals. Her pairing with Kate Van der Voort should lead to improvement in the team.

Sale

Ins: Emma Grunwald, Teagan Harrison

Out: Kristy Glover

Football

The reigning premiers have a host of squad changes for 2025.  Aitken Medalist Max Jacobsen is the major change to the senior squad with a number of inclusions from the district Leagues led by Chris Williams and Mitch Mustoe.  The core premiership team headlined by arguably the League’s best player in Tye Hourigan should hold them in good stead with a young list developing further to keep them as one of the key players in season 2025.

Traralgon

In: Mitch Mustoe, Jake Cashmore, Beau White, Jacob Williams, Lachlan Pollard, Tyler Mudita (TTU), Chris Williams, Brayden Kokshoorn (Churchill), Ryan Dickson (Rosedale), Zach Bastin, Melvey Podmore (Dusties), Damian Houg (West Footscray), Matthew Pearce (Lakes Entrance)
Out: Max Jacobsen (Morwell East), Liam Hahn (Caloundra), Hudson Leech, Neil Flanagan, Lachlan McDonald (Rosedale), Harry McDonald (Cowwar), Adam Holland (Inverloch), Jai Moloney, Sid Cogan, Ewan Williams (Glengarry), Gabriel Wood (Kew), Archie Woodall, Clancy Snell (Mirboo North), Michael Geary (Yinnar)

Gippsland Power: Blair Roscoe, Marlon Neocleous

Traralgon

The Maroons always produce a strong netball program and will be hoping they can compete for a finals spot again in 2025. Finished fifth last season but lose club legend Stacey Jacobsen for this season which leaves a hole in the mid court. Young gun Indi De Dios steps up full time into A Grade and will be one to watch along with 2024 Rookie of the Year and now Gippsland Star VNL player Grace Van Tilburg.

Netball

Ins: Indi de Dios, Emma White

Out: Stacey Jacobsen, Amy Harrison

VNL: Sophie Lecchino, Grace Van Tilburg (Gippsland Stars)

Football

Another team with a host of squad changes in 2025. The Gulls have lost some high end talent with Jack Lewsey and Mitch Smart set to depart however are joined by former AFL player Will Hayes and Koby Grass who will both balance VFL duties along Jordan and Zack Stewart from Pakenham. Will be a hard side to predict in 2025 with the changes but should be more competitive with their inclusions along with a fit Jed Lamb who returned from injury late last season.

Warragul

In: Will Hayes (VFL), Lachlan Wilson (The Basin), Koby Grass (UTS Sydney), Zac Stewart, Jordan Stewart, James Harrison, Tom Hillard (Pakenham), Brayden Hefford (Yarragon), Noah LaFrantz (Old Xaverians), Damon Eastwell (Maroochydore), Brayden Fowler (Warragul Industrials)
Out: Mitchell Smart, Daniel Smart (Bentleigh), Bayley Paul, Darcy Paul (Hill End), Nick Stevenson (South Barwon), Jack Lewsey (WAFL)

VFL: Lane Ward (Box Hill), Liam Serong (Coburg), Will Hayes (Carlton), Koby Grass (Sydney)

Gippsland Power: Samuel Grummisch, Caleb Mcintosh, Oliver Wilson

Netball

Last years Grand Finalists should be again setting their sights on a deep finals run. Retained their key players from 2024 led by star goaler Emma Ryde. The team features high end talent in each line with Ryde, Sienna Green and Renee Nobelius set to lead the charge again. Expect them to be a finals side in 2025 and likely pushing for the top 3 and the double chance.

Warragul

In: Jade Finn

Out: Becky Dixon

VNL: Emma Ryde, Ella Rees (Casey) Sienna Green (Hawks)

Football

After a long awaited Grand Final appearance in 2023 the Power’s injury list saw them unable to repeat in 2024. Made the 1^st Semi Final losing to eventual premiers Traralgon and now welcoming back a number of key players from injury led by Kyle Reid and Brodie Mabilia.  Despite some rumours Isaac Chugg remains at the club and Ryan Sparkes is set to play the majority of the season with the Power after a year in the VFL at Collingwood. Watchout for the Power to be a key player again in season 2025.

Wonthaggi

In: Jai Williams (Woodside), Beau Ransom (Fish Creek), Chase Krause, Ryda Kay Darts, Keyva Kay Darts (Dalyston), Jarvis Harvey (Inverloch-Kongwak), Jye Douthat, Scott Pugh (Kilcunda Bass)
Out: Brayden Duve (Mosman Park)

Gippsland Power: Connor Macmillan, Thomas Macmillan

Netball

The Power should be competitive again with a young but experienced A Grade squad coming into 2025. Alana and Hannah McRae depart after a season in Gippsland League moving interstate while former Gold Coast Suns AFLW player Shannon Danckert joining the team. Ellie Bates was a star last year and Chelsea Bowman is a valuable asset either in goals or defence. Finished sixth last season and should push a number of the finals sides. If they can pick up a few key wins they will be in and around the five again this season.

Wonthaggi

In: Chloe Cengia (Dalyston), Shannon Danckert (Gold Coast Suns AFLW)

Out: Hannah McRae, Alana McRae (Interstate)

VNL: Chelsea Bowman (Gippsland Stars)