2026 Great Flinders Football League Season Preview

The Chase Is On – New Season Kicks Off Saturday, 11 April

Football is back on the Eyre Peninsula, and excitement is building as the 2026 Great Flinders Football League season prepares to kick off on Saturday, 11 April. After a busy summer of recruiting and preparation, players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters are ready for another thrilling season of country footy at its best.

Last year’s grand finalists – the Lock Roos and United Yeelanna Eagles – remain the benchmark, but every club has reloaded with new talent and fresh optimism. From Cummins to Elliston and Tumby Bay to Lock, there’s a buzz around the league that this could be one of the most competitive seasons in years.

Lock Roos & United Yeelanna Eagles: Setting the Standard

The Roos and Eagles again start as the teams to beat after playing off in a high-quality 2025 grand final. The Eagles have taken a quieter approach this off-season, losing Tom Davis and Will Symonds to Marble Range, but with their depth and trademark polish, they’ll be right among the contenders once more.

INS: James Glover, Tom Stevens

OUTS: Tom Davis, Will Symonds, Callum Macdonald, Jack Crettenden, Riley Doolan

The Roos haven’t been overly active in recruiting, with Bryson "Buster" Keeley joining his brother, Tynan. Tim Boehm heads to Eyre United and a couple departing to Kimba, but the core that took them to last year’s decider remains. Expect them to be just as tough and disciplined as ever.

INS: Kurt Hetzel, Drazzik Stusser, Bryson Keeley, Tate Shillabeer

OUTS: Tim Boehm, Jed Siebert, Zane Palmer, Corey Milligan

Tumby Bay Blues: Fresh Faces and Fresh Hope

The Blues have been among the busiest recruiters, bringing in Brad McKenzie, Harry Viney, and Anthony Giannini from Payneham Norwood Union, along with Joe Heinjus from BSR. The Blues’ faithful will be eager to see how this new group blends with their homegrown talent as they push for a finals return.

INS: Brad McKenzie, Harry Viney, Anthony Giannini, Joe Heinjus, Casey Bailes

OUTS: Tyree Burgoyne, Swayne Ackland, Joey Lienert, Marley Butler, Alby McDonald

Cummins Kapinnie Cougars: New Look, New Energy

The Cougars have had a big off-season of change, farewelling several familiar faces including Mail Medallist - Reuben Hill (SANFL) and Charlie Turnbull (United). In come Nathaniel Hirschausen-Burk (Boston), Chad Beinke (Marble Range), and Connor Marshall (Noarlunga) – young, dynamic players who’ll inject energy and pace as the Cougars continue to build for the future.

INS: Nathaniel Hirschhausen-Burk, Chad Beinke, Connor Marshall

OUTS: Charlie Turnbull (back this week though), Reuben Hill, Charlie Shepperd, Matt Coombs, Tait Appleton, Hayden Bennett, Xavier Leslie

Cummins Ramblers Magpies: Rebuilt and Rejuvenated

The Magpies have assembled an eye-catching list of recruits and will be hoping that translates to on-field results. With eleven new players, including playing coach Zane Montgomerie from Lincoln South, the Ramblers’ depth has improved significantly. Expect a spirited brand of footy and some tight early-season contests as their new mix takes shape.

INS: Zane Montgomerie, Camden Madden, Connor Madden, Bradley Jacob, Noah Legovini, Jyezaiah Cook, Justin Long, Eric Cook, Ethan Reinheimer, Ben Burgess, Jett Pedler

OUTS: Phoenix Milburn, Jed Forster, Darcy Claughton, Joseph May, Thomas Cabot, Gus Crettenden

Elliston Districts Roosters: Experience Meets Excitement

The Roosters look a side on the rise. They’ve added experience in Guy and Luke Hutchinson (Marble Range) and Steve Paul (Lincoln South), plus excitement through Byron Pickett Jnr and Cruz Polkinghorne. With Dylan Doudle also joining from Cummins Kapinnie, the Roosters boast an intriguing balance that could see them charge up the ladder if they start well.

INS: Guy Hutchinson, Luke Hutchinson, Steve Paul, Henry Guerin, Jarrah Pete Donovan, Reef Tomney, Byron Pickett Jnr, Dylan Doudle, Cruz Polkinghorne

OUTS: Dylan Kelsh, Jack Cavuoto, Kieran Vermeulen, Boyd Mccurry

Eyre United Saints: Building Quiet Strength

The Saints might just be the dark horse of 2026. They’ve added a host of proven performers—Tim Boehm (Lock), Craig Dowse, Levi Cullen, and Jevan Horton (all Lincoln South), Cooper Puckridge (Marble Range)—to complement their developing younger brigade. Expect them to be harder, cleaner, and more consistent as they look to climb into finals contention.

INS: Tim Boehm, Craig Dowse, Ethan Pugsley, Levi Cullen, Jevan Horton, Cooper Puckridge, Thomas Puddy, Shaquille Hurst, Corey Hatzimanolis, Cohen Lawrie

OUTS: Lachlan Gale, Casey Bailes, Baden Simpson

A League Brimming With Possibility

Every club has improved, and that’s what makes 2026 so exciting. With new faces from across the Eyre Peninsula, Adelaide, and even the NT, the Great Flinders Football League continues to showcase top-quality country football and strong local pride.

As the first bounce approaches, the message across the league is clear: Lock and United Yeelanna won’t have it all their own way. The Cougars, Magpies, Roosters, Saints, and Blues all have the talent and drive to make waves this season.

The countdown is on — bring on Round 1, bring on the rivalries, and bring on another fantastic year of Great Flinders football.

Round 1 – Saturday, 11 April

• Cummins Kapinnie vs Lock – Cummins Oval

• Eyre United vs United Yeelanna – Ungarra Oval

• Byes: Cummins Ramblers, Tumby Bay, Elliston Districts