BEYOND THE BOUNDARY – APRIL 10
Former Geelong rookie Xavier Ivisic and Lara recruit Josh Sanders will make their debuts for St Mary’s when the reigning premier faces Colac at Australian Lamb Company Stadium.
However, it’s the return from a serious knee injury of popular big man Lachie Peck that will put the biggest smiles on the faces of the Saints faithful.
Peck hasn’t played at senior level since suffering a serious knee injury late in the 2024 season.
Also making his first appearance in navy blue and green since 2024 is two-time Mathieson medallist Harry Benson, who spent last year with Gold Coast-based club Palm Beach-Currumbin.
St Mary’s has named 17 of last year’s premiership team.
Injury will sideline Paddy Dowling, Chris Jansen and Charlie Lang, while Nick Connors has headed to Western Australia for an increased role with AFL club Fremantle, and Matt Copley announced his retirement last month.
The Tigers will unveil Geelong VFL-listed Hunter Wright, who represented Vic Country last year at the under-18 National Championships, and Jack Fish (Western Eagles).
However, Geelong West recruit Ethan Liddle will be held back a week after suffering some soft tissue injuries in recent weeks.
The Tigers also couldn’t consider co-captain Zach Zdybel (knee) and Aaron Walters (unavailable).
Jarrod Walters isn’t expected to play until mid-season after suffering a broken arm in last year’s finals series.
The twilight clash starts at 4:30pm.
GFNL – AT SELECTION – ROUND ONE
South Barwon has named a trio of under-18 premiership players for their senior debuts ahead of the John Nankervis Shield meeting with Grovedale at McDonald Reserve.
Taj Hinkley, Jai Hobson and Zach Stevens all featured the Swans’ big win over Ocean Grove in the AFL Barwon under-18 Division 1 decider.
Also making their first appearances for South are Ocean Grove recruit Rory Phillips, Hamish Sinnott (Camperdown), who has VFL experience at Geelong and Essendon, and Wilhelm Bennett.
Bennett is a Swan Hill product who attended Geelong Grammar.
The Tigers welcome Werribee VFL-listed big man Caiden Gardiner from Cairns club Centrals Trinity Beach, and Bradley Kreuger (Encounter Bay).
Kreuger will get the chance to play alongside his brother Nathan, who has been made available to play by Geelong VFL after missing the opening three rounds of the season through injury.
First bounce is at the earlier time of 1:10pm, with the match brodcast via the K rock app from midday.
St Albans has selected five club debutants for its clash with North Shore.
Former VFL player Ethan Mantas, ex-Lara young gun Tom Gunther, returning junior Will Lane, North Ballarat recruit Noah Cockerell, and former Seagulls big man Andrew Taylor boost what is expected to be an improved Supersaints outfit.
Harrison Cockerell will play his first senior game since 2024 after a knee injury wiped out his 2025 season.
However, coach Rick Munn couldn’t consider former North Melbourne forward Eddie Ford (foot).
On Sunday, at newly-named Scaada Stadium, Chris Browne will take charge of Geelong West for the first time when the Giants host Leopold.
New faces on the field for West include Luke Wittman (Torquay), Cam Edwards (Lara) and local product Ethan Sitlington.
The Lions, who were on the end of a 91-point hiding by St Joseph’s at Lorne on Easter Saturday, will be boosted by the inclusion of Geelong VFL duo Will Sheahan and Mason Williams, while Hampden league recruit Jed Henderson will make his debut.
Premiership player Riley Stone has been promoted from the reserves.
Bell Park, Newtown & Chilwell and St Joseph’s have the bye.
The Dragons and Eagles both have practice matches to finalise their preparations for 2026.
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