MPFNL 2026: The Peninsula’s biggest recruiting blitz yet
The Mornington Peninsula league has got a serious injection of talent. From returning AFL stars to VFL guns and interstate sharpshooters, here are the best signings ahead of season 2026 ...
Big names. Big moves.
The MPFNL’s off-season recruiting period has delivered some of the competition’s most significant signings in years:
Dylan Atkins (Sorrento)
The 200cm utility joins Sorrento after two seasons at Red Hill. Boasts VFL experience at Sandringham and Port Melbourne. Sorrento have been searching for height and versatility — Atkins delivers both.
Henry Berenger (Frankston YCW)
Starred in the Stonecats’ 2022 grand final before spending three years at Subiaco in the WAFL. Returns home with serious development under his belt. Will be on Frankston’s VFL list with YCW as his home club.
Nick Buykx (Langwarrin)
VFL experience at Williamstown and Werribee, captained Point Cook and won their 2022 best and fairest, and made the 2025 Team of the Year. Brings midfield class and leadership to Langy.
Adrian Cole (Devon Meadows)
The 19-year-old key defender represented Victoria Metro at U18 level and was runner-up in the Dandenong Stingrays best and fairest.
Nick Carlon (Chelsea)
Edithvale-Aspendale premiership captain with more than 150 senior games. Dominant, versatile player who brings exceptional leadership and footy IQ to the Seagulls.
Josh Cowan (Chelsea)
Seven-time Big V representative and six-time VAFA Team of the Year selection. Prolific ball-winner at St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers with a classy left foot who adds midfield quality to the Gulls.
Harley Dale (Tyabb)
Comes across to the Yabbies as a 2024 premiership player from Edithvale-Aspendale. Hard-running midfielder and half-back with excellent work rate and composure. Will provide key leadership to Tyabb’s young midfield.
Sean Downie (Chelsea)
Joins the Seagulls after an outstanding stint at East Brighton featuring back-to-back best and fairests. Brings speed, strong attack on contests, and quality disposal to the Gulls midfield.
Matt Emmanouil (Red Hill)
The 21-year-old midfielder won league and club best and fairest at Parkdale Vultures, served as vice captain, and earned VAFA C Team of the Year selection. Powerful through the middle.
Misi Faimalo (Bonbeach)
A powerful, quick and skilful forward/midfielder with VFL experience at Richmond and Sandringham. The New Zealand international commits full-time for 2026.
Sam Fletcher (Red Hill)
The ex-Gold Coast Sun brings AFL experience to Red Hill’s midfield. Strong inside work, clean hands, and leadership that will help mentor the Hillmen’s emerging young players.
Kyle Halligan (Sorrento)
The Western Australian sharpshooter is a two-time WAFL premiership winner with Subiaco and has averaged nearly 50 goals per season over the past three years playing for Kingsway in the Perth league. Experienced goalkicker.
Sam Hayes (Rosebud)
Three-time premiership defender from Cheltenham’s dynasty with VFL experience. Proven lockdown defender joining an already-strong grand final-winning Buds side.
Michael Hibberd (Somerville)
Melbourne premiership player and All-Australian returns home. Recent Port Melbourne Colts best and fairest winner bringing elite footy IQ, toughness and leadership to the Eagles.
Jack Hutchins (Edi-Asp)
Former Gold Coast Sun with 19 AFL games and captained Casey in the VFL. Strong key position player who brings leadership and experience to Edi-Asp’s talented group.
Ryan Jacobs (Mt Eliza)
Goal-kicking midfielder with 19 VFL games at Frankston. Back-to-back Team of the Year selections in the MPFNL (at Seaford) and averaged 33 disposals in 2025. Classy ball-winner.
Harrison Jones (Mt Eliza)
Key forward returning home to Mt Eliza. Frankston VFL-listed, kicked 43 goals in 11 games for Old Haileybury in their VAFA premiership. Goal-kicking power and versatility.
Caden Kappe (Rosebud)
The 19-year-old utility from Tyabb was named senior players’ MVP from just 13 games. Loves the contest and has earned respect quickly.
Kai Love-Linay (Chelsea)
Multiple Team of the Year representative and best and fairest winner from East Brighton. Fierce competitor, exceptional leader, and proven three-year captain joins the Seagulls.
Jarrod Marshall (Devon Meadows)
Three-year Drouin captain who adds vital leadership as a strong midfielder/forward. His experience will be crucial guiding Devon Meadows’ young group through their step up to Division 1.
Lachie Marshall (Pearcedale)
The Pines captain and premiership player returns to Pearcedale where he played juniors and won a U18 league medal. Brings leadership, toughness and experience.
Jess McManus (Mt Eliza)
The 196cm key position player rejoins Mt Eliza from Frankston VFL/Seaford. Super athletic and versatile local junior returns ready to make an impact after injury.
Tom Murphy (Pines)
Former North Melbourne AFL player and Frankston Dolphins star appointed as new playing-coach of Pines. The 27-year-old’s first coaching job.
Max Milward (Hastings)
Prahran premiership winner reunites with brother Jake in royal blue. Versatile utility who can dominate at both ends and hits the scoreboard. Brings winning experience.
Jackson Muscillo (Hastings)
Returns from Frankston YCW with two years of Division 1 experience plus VFL training. Physical ball-winner who strengthens Hastings’ midfield.
Tarkyn O’Leary (Edi-Asp)
The Frankston Dolphins-listed gun is an incredible runner with elite speed, clean hands and footy smarts. Makes the Eagles his home club.
Matt Presutto (Red Hill)
Was regarded as one of the best U20 players in the VAFA in 2021. Joins from Ivanhoe. Composed ball-winner with exceptional skills off half-back and through the midfield.
Kye Quirk (Devon Meadows)
Gun midfielder from Drouin. Multiple best and fairest winner and 2025 Team of the Year selection after four dominant seasons. Ball-winner.
Macklin Raine (Seaford)
Returns to Tigerland after being one of the MPFNL’s premier ruckmen in 2022. Fearless competitor and hit-out machine.
Connor Riley (Mt Eliza)
With 51 VFL games at Frankston plus recent experience at Port Melbourne and Old Haileybury, Riley brings professionalism, work rate and leadership to the Redlegs.
Lachlan Sharp (Somerville)
High-flying, strong, mobile forward returns home for 2026 after stint at Frankston VFL and Pines. Clunks contested marks, nails set shots, and lifts those around him.
Miller Stewart (Crib Point)
The 20-year-old played at Dandenong Stingrays, Somerville and Rosebud. Adds class and depth to Cribby’s midfield with clean skills, smart decision-making and relentless work ethic.
Lachie Susovich (Crib Point)
Mornington’s 2023 premiership player who then elevated to Division 1. Versatile key position player who can dominate at either end. Proven winner joining the Magpies.
Curtis Taylor (Rosebud)
The former North Melbourne player is a big boost for the Buds. The 188cm versatile 25-year-old played 76 AFL games and kicked 33 goals across six seasons.
Adam Tomlinson (Sorrento)
The 185-game AFL player stands 193cm and can play as a defender or midfielder. His leadership — honed across stints at GWS and Melbourne — provides exactly the on-field guidance Sorrento needs.
Riley Verbi (Mornington)
Dynamic midfielder joining from Old Camberwell with VFL experience at North Melbourne. Classy on both feet, creates time and space, and hits the scoreboard regularly.
Lachie Williams (Somerville)
Athletic, versatile utility with VFL experience and premiership success. Brings speed, game-changing ability and serious X-factor to the Eagles.
Every signing: Your EDFL off-season recruiting tracker
