Sport
10 April, 2026
2026 MCDFNL Football Round 1 Preview — Newstead vs Avoca
The Newstead Football Netball Club host the Avoca Bulldogs as the Bulldogs make the trip across the Moolort Plains to open their 2026 campaign.
Both sides finished towards the lower end of the ladder in 2025, registering four wins each.
Avoca has battled near the bottom of the ladder for several seasons and will be looking to make meaningful progress under second-year coach Matt Newton.
That task hasn’t been made any easier, with the Bulldogs losing key personnel. Leading forward Zack Lubeek has moved to Woorndoo-Mortlake, while 2025 assistant coach Alex Bowd has transferred to Wickliffe-Lake Bolac.
There is some positive movement, however. Promising youngster Aiden Collicott returns after a stint with Maryborough juniors, while Toby Beavis makes his way back to the kennel from Natte Bealiba. Alexander Hay is another welcome inclusion, returning after a season with Birchip-Watchem in the NCFL.
Newstead, meanwhile, appears to have retained the core of its list, though they have lost young ruckman Jovian Goulton (Maldon), Kyle Bott (Wickliffe-Lake Bolac), and Ben Moran (Fitzroy).
On the recruitment front, the Steaders look to have strengthened. Castlemaine product Will Moran headlines the inclusions — a versatile and classy midfielder who has already impressed with his professionalism and leadership.
He is joined by experienced campaigner Nick Cox (Frankston Dolphins), while Sam Winnard (Daylesford) returns to the MCDFNL and shapes as a key target up forward after booting 47 goals for Trentham in 2023.
With a more settled list and some handy additions, Newstead appears well placed to open their account for 2026 on a positive note.