Revealed: The best Outer East Football Netball recruits for 2026
The off-season has delivered in spectacular fashion. Clubs across the Outer East league have secured elite talent, premiership experience, and exciting young guns. We’ve named the best signings.
Clubs across the Outer East league have been busy securing elite talent, premiership experience, and exciting young guns.
From VFL-hardened key position stars to lightning-quick goal sneaks, this recruiting period has set the stage for an absolutely blockbuster 2026 season.
Here are the names you need to know:
Sahaf Ali (Gembrook Cockatoo)
The 22-year-old key forward arrives at the Brookers with Box Hill Hawks VFL runs on the board and impressive credentials from East Ringwood (EFL) and Avondale Heights (EDFL), where he kicked 25 goals in 2025. Talent meets opportunity.
Josh Berenger (Warburton-Millgrove)
The 2024 Hastings best and fairest winner and MPFNL team of the year squad member is a key addition to the Burras, set to power their Premier Division assault.
Thomas Bunning (Mt Evelyn)
Standing at 6’5, the high-leaping forward/ruckman with a strong pair of hands joins from Vermont, where he won a reserves best and fairest and represented the Eastern Ranges.
Riley Clarke (Mt Evelyn)
An exciting forward (standing 6’2”) who knows where the goals are. Represented Bendigo Pioneers for two seasons and has played senior footy at Echuca, Cairns Saints, Strathfieldsaye, Tongala and most recently West Preston–Lakeside in the Northern league.
Anthony Daraio (Woori Yallock)
The former Kilcunda Bass sharpshooter kicked 43 and 47 goals in 2023 and 2024 respectively. That followed a best and fairest at Yarragon in 2021. The Tigers have found another goal-kicking weapon.
Kynan French (Woori Yallock)
The electric 18-year-old speedster returns to the Tigers after a season at Lilydale in the Eastern league. He finished third in Woori’s 2024 goal kicking (with 21). His pace is pure dynamite — opposition defences, consider yourselves warned.
Corey Fritze (Pakenham)
A 6’4” athletic defender at just 24 with 50-plus senior games (at Hallam and in recent seasons, Belgrave). Youth, size, and versatility rolled into one elite package for the Lions’ backline.
Aidan Kidd (Belgrave)
Strong on-baller from South Belgrave — and at Minyip Murtoa in 2025 — bringing skill, class, and midfield grunt to the Magpies’ engine room.
Rohan King (Yea)
Playing assistant coach from Kinglake in the Northern League with 2025 third best and fairest honours. Leadership and defensive steel in one package.
Joel Koger (Seville)
The towering 6’7” ruckman boasts Aspley Hornets QAFL experience plus EFNL Division 1 stints at Lilydale and Croydon. Great hands, hits the scoreboard — what more do you want?
Tex Marsham (Officer)
2024 premiership ruckman at Nar Nar Goon with interleague honours, Gippsland Power pedigree, and Box Hill VFL experience. The Roos have struck gold.
Jayden Malek (Belgrave)
Inaugural Berwick Springs captain (2021) brings versatile defensive craft, strong marking, and invaluable leadership nous to the Magpies’ backline.
Devon McKernan (Mt Evelyn)
Smooth on-baller with 70-plus senior games at Mooroolbark and South Croydon joins brother Ryley. The 22-year-old brings polish, power, and premiership hunger (2022 Grand Final).
Blake Muir (Warburton-Millgrove)
Young gun returns to the Burras after ACL recovery. An Under 18s premiership player (2022) with elite kicking skills and massive upside.
Kyle Nunn (Pakenham)
Goal-sneak extraordinaire: 70 goals in 28 games over two seasons at Belgrave. Speed, agility, and a nose for goal — Pakenham’s forward line just got scary.
Damian Pywell (Yea)
Exciting livewire forward-midfielder with serious goal-scoring punch. The kind of player who can change a game in five minutes.
Aden Quirk (Pakenham)
Playing assistant coach and dominant Gippsland FL midfielder averaging 31 touches. Premiership DNA flows through his veins — his grandfather Bryan Quirk won a flag at Carlton.
Matt Ryan (Pakenham)
The 6’4” gun forward returns from Cora Lynn at 25 with speed, strength, and leadership. Reunites with brother Luke — the Ryan brothers are back in action.
Cooper Sheppard (Pakenham)
Versatile star returns after three Southern FL seasons at Keysborough. Elite aerial ability, dangerous overhead, and a booming left boot make him a match-winner.
Jack Soroczynski (Woori Yallock)
Attacking half-back with three years of Frankston VFL experience and Kilcunda Bass 2021 best and fairest. Elite ball-use and damaging run define his game.
Angus Strachan (Wandin)
Agile ruck-forward from Vermont adding youthful versatility to the Bulldogs’ quest for more September success. A smart addition to an already strong list.
Jarrod Thompson (Seville)
Quick, skilful wingman from Lilydale who creates scoring chances and impacts games. Reunites with brother Nathan — family connections, winning combinations.
Regan Uwandu (Gembrook Cockatoo)
Versatile 6’4” utility from West Preston-Lakeside with Northern Knights and Coburg VFL experience. Can play both ends and pinch-hit in the ruck — ultimate flexibility.
Nic Visser (Upwey Tecoma)
Gippsland star and 2017 grand final BOG arrives as a human wrecking ball. Impossible to tackle, tough as nails — the Tigers’ midfield just became ominous.
Revealed: All the latest Eastern league key signings
