Outer East FN: Pakenham loads up in bid to end flag drought
Looking to end its 16-year flag drought, Pakenham has loaded up with several gun recruits, including a dominant Gippsland midfielder and a forward with exceptional goal sense.
Pakenham is going all in to break its 16-year senior premiership drought.
The Lions have announced nine recruits for 2026, headlined by Drouin ball magnet Aden Quirk and Belgrave sharpshooter Kyle Nunn.
Pakenham has also secured Belgrave key defender Corey Fritz and Cora Lynn forward Matt Ryan, who joins his brother Luke already at the club.
Other arrivals include Sam Kors, who is returning after a season at Warragul Industrials, Luke Molino (returning), Sam Wellwood (Narre Warren), Mitch Dowling (Neerim South) and Cooper Sheppard (Keysborough).
After Pakenham reached last season’s Outer East Division 1 preliminary final, coach Justin Stanton said his side had unfinished business.
“We were disappointed. We were happy with the way we grew and developed our young list throughout the season, but disappointed with how it finished,’’ he said.
“We had an honest assessment of where our list was at and identified areas we needed to improve — that’s what we focussed on with recruitment.”
Stanton said the arrivals would create genuine competition for spots.
“These guys bring extra talent, which puts pressure on everyone and generates rivalry for positions,’’ he said.
“It’s not just what we’ll get on field — it’ll flow into pre-season and in-season training. Competition for spots will be really difficult, and we believe that’ll help develop this young senior team.”
Quirk adds class to Pakenham’s engine room.
“He’s come on board to strengthen our midfield. He’s been a terrific player in the Gippsland League — strong body, good contested player, wins clearances,’’ Stanton said.
“We’re confident with our midfield, but wanted to ensure we’ve got depth in that area.”
Fritz and Nunn provide versatility.
“Corey can play all three thirds of the ground — athletic forward, wing, backline,’’ Stanton said.
“He’s young, fit and really athletic. Kyle’s a clever forward who can also play midfield minutes, giving us diversity.”
Wellwood is a talented youngster who took this year off travelling.
“He’s a premiership player at Narre Warren in the 19s and made his senior debut at a really young age,” he said.
Ryan reunites with brother Luke at Pakenham.
“He’s a key position forward. Really talented,” Stanton said.
Crucially, Pakenham has retained its firepower — Mason Hall, Sam Cachia and Josh Haggar kicked 45, 44 and 39 goals respectively last season.
“Our forward line was one of our strengths,’’ Stanton said.
“It was our unpredictability, we thought was one of the main strengths. And by keeping that forward line intact and adding Matt Ryan and Kyle Nunn, and Sam Kors returning to the club, we think that places us in a really strong position.’’
THE RECRUITS
Aden Quirk arrives as playing assistant coach from Drouin, where the 6’1” midfielder dominated the Gippsland FL with 31 possessions per game. He brings premiership bloodline too – his grandfather Bryan Quirk won flags at Carlton.
Kyle Nunn is a goal-scoring machine. The Belgrave recruit booted 70 goals in just 28 games over two seasons, combining exceptional goal sense with blistering speed and agility.
Matt Ryan is coming home. The 6’4” forward returns to Pakenham after a stellar stint at Cora Lynn, bringing speed, strength, leadership and a proven goal-scoring record. The 25-year-old will line up alongside brother Luke in 2026.
Corey Fritze gives the Lions defensive steel. The athletic 6’4” 24-year-old has 50-plus senior games under his belt and the versatility to shut down key forwards.
Luke Molino returns after leaving in 2019, the 195cm 24-year-old bringing massive upside after spending time pursuing tennis, basketball and sports science studies.
Sam Wellwood comes back to Pakenham after premiership success at Narre Warren, continuing his father Andrew’s Lions legacy.
Sam Kors returns after a season in the West Gippsland league. His speed, skill, intensity, and contest work strengthen the Lions’ push for success.
Cooper Sheppard returns after three seasons in the Southern FL, while young gun Mitch Dowling arrives from Neerim South ready to develop.
PAKENHAM 2026
IN: Aden Quirk (Drouin), Kyle Nunn (Belgrave), Luke Molino (returning), Sam Wellwood (Narre Warren), Mitch Dowling (Neerim South), Corey Fritze (Belgrave), Sam Kors (returning from Warragul Industrials), Cooper Sheppard (Keysborough), Matt Ryan (Cora Lynn)
OUT: Jake Kidd (retired), David Sollberger (Kilcunda Bass)
Local footy competition announces huge shake up
