GFNL premiership contender St Mary’s has re-signed co-coaches Luke Rayner and Ben Boseley for the 2026 season.
The Saints are well placed to feature in an eighth consecutive finals series, with last week’s impressive win over St Joseph’s their ninth of the season, putting them third on the ladder with six rounds to play.
Rayner shared the role with Glenn Keast last year following the departure of Travis Roberston, with former East Geelong mentor Boseley jumping on board at Anthony Costa Oval.
“It’s a bit of a transitional phase for the club after Trav and Glenn, and then Glenn and myself,” Rayney said.
“I guess it’s been a real reset this year for the club.
“We lost a lot of players in the off-season, along with Keasty hanging up the coach’s title as well.
“It’s been a great season to date so far, and a bit of a shift from the previous regime into the new regime, inclusive of the player group, the president, and Bose and myself.”
St Mary’s will make four forced changes for its meeting with Lara at Bisinella Oval.
Michael Rudd (calf), Keidan Rayner (foot), and Jesse Travaglini (fractured finger) will miss the meeting with the Cats.
However, the news isn’t as good for Chris Jansen, whose shoulder injury suffered in the win over St Joseph’s is likely to sideline him until the finals.
“He’ll be touch-and-go towards the back end of the season,” Rayner said. “We’ll give him every chance.
“He’s had a terrific season to date and been a real mainstay of our midfield group and a terrific leader in his own right as well.
“He’s been very important to the group, so it’s bloody disappointing for him, for our group, but we’re hopeful to get him back when the whips are cracking later in the season.”
Lara will welcome back Cooper McKane, with Tom Parker and Cody Beckley recalled from the reserves.
Last week’s debutant Jarvis Burley, who will return to the under-16s, and Sam Hoffman (leg) are the confirmed outs.
Josh McDonald will make his first senior appearance in nearly 12 months, as Colac made two changes for its mouthwatering match-up with St Joseph’s at Central Reserve.
The Tigers have also included experienced defender Jarryn McCormack.
Joeys have lost Zac Knights, James Hose, Joel Edwards and Felix Henderson to injury, with Ryan Connolly and Gus Morrison omitted.
However, James Hickey, Jack Buckley, and Geelong VFL-listed Joey Chaplin return with Jack Leonard, Tanner Owen, and Angus Humphrey recalled from the reserves.
South Barwon will get back VFL-listed duo Ben Kellett and Oscar Pollock, as well as Bannockburn recruit Leigham Elzinga, for its blockbuster meeting with Bell Park at McDonald Reserve.
The Dragons will be strengthened by the inclusion of Hamish Lucas, but have lost Jack McMahon to a dislocated hip.
Rhys McWaters is also back, with Zach Lamb omitted.
Leopold will welcome back Logan Wagener, but has lost Tom Feely for its must-win meeting with Geelong West at Memorial Park.
Wagener was due to return from a groin injury last week but withdrew late due to illness.
Feely suffered an AC joint injury in the opening quarter against the Swans.
Harry Wall, who was the late replacement for Wagener, has been omitted.
The Giants will welcome back Lachie Handley and have included big man Mac Scoullar and youngster Declan Fento.
They replace Ethan Liddle (concussion), Tom Handley (managed), and Xavier Shaw.
St Albans has made two changes as it chases five wins in a season for the first time since 2019, when it heads to Windsor Park for a meeting with North Shore.
Nic Clarke and Tom Caudullo replace Matt McKenzie and Lucas Gray.
McKenzie has returned to WAFL club West Perth following his second appearance of the season with the Supersaints, with Gray unavailable due to school football commitments with Geelong College.
Newtown & Chilwell and Grovedale have made three changes for their clash at Elderslie Reserve.
The Eagles regain Oscar Murdoch, Liam Nash, and Gennaro Bove at the expense of Tom Beckworth, Michael Condy, and Will Hall.
At the Tigers, Nathan McHugh, Harrison Whyte, and Billy Spicer replace the injured Bailey McDonald and the omitted Tom De Goldi and Jas Lang.
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