Can they do it?
North Geelong enters the 2025/26 season with the opportunity to become the first club to win seven consecutive GCA top grade titles.
The Magpies iced a sixth straight premiership with a dominant display against Newtown & Chilwell in last season’s grand final. The premiers have added Geelong all-rounder Olegas Rodgers, Anglesea all-rounders Michael Thornton and Victor Morrow, and Alexander Thomson quick Angus Cranny over the off-season. Led by coaches Craig Biddiscombe and Dale Kerr, and captain Tom Mathieson, and with no departures, the Magpies again look to be a force to be reckoned with.
South Barwon loom as the season’s big mover. After falling just short in key matches last summer, the Swans have bolstered their squad with Clay Mulgrew, Tom Meredith, and Gurpreet Singh headlining a sizeable list of recruits.
East Belmont, under Hayden McMahon and Locky Inglis, are eyeing a resurgence. The return of Sean O’Neill and Jack Jenkins, plus new recruits like Lachy Molynuex and Mitch Grinter, brings depth and leadership to a squad eager to reclaim finals contention.
St Joseph’s are banking on internal growth and junior development. New arrivals Zane Keighran and Luke Backhouse add top-order strength and spin options to complement the Joeys’ squad as the club looks to rebound from a lean 2024/25 season.
Newtown and Chilwell, led by Chris Williams and Lachie Sperling, welcome Nic Keast and Tom Archibald to their top order. Despite key departures, including preliminary final hero Noah Guida, the Two Blues appear well placed to challenge again.
Lara returns to GCA1 with momentum and ambition after dominating all four grades in GCA2. The return of Luke Wilson and Vishesh Malhotra complement the Cats’ emerging youngsters and local talent.
Grovedale, under Jordan Moran, have invested in coaching structures and youth pathways. The additions of Riley Stone, Tom Smith, and the Huby brothers signal a renewed push for turf cricket success.
St Peter’s, led by Luke Ford, narrowly missed finals last season. With fresh faces like Corey Bradnam and Brogan Hayman, the Saints are determined to grind out wins and go a step further this season.
