The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 4th (10W, 8L, 97.85%)
Coach: Jamie Madigan
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Pre-season has been extremely solid with high intensity running blocks interspersed with fast-paced skill work and drills, with a strong emphasis on match simulation, game strategy, and team structures. Overall, it has been an excellent pre-season.
"We believe that we have built upon last year’s first ever Premier Division finals series and that the experiences gained will put us in good stead to challenge for a finals series this year, with the aim to finish in the top three and gain a double chance.
"The player leadership group organised a player-run and led boot camp, which focused on not only improving fitness, but also building team morale and team bonding."
LIST SHAPE
"The overall list is looking very strong with multiple recruits to add class and depth.
"Our strengths will be a very strong and dominant midfield which can provide first use to our dangerous, multi-pronged forward line. Our backline is also very strong with experience and run and carry which can quickly turn defence into attack and scoring opportunities.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Mark Galea had an outstanding season last year and has had an exceptional pre-season, consistently being in the top performers in the fitness testing and time trials. Captain Spiros Amarantidis has also excelled over the pre-season and will play an important role as a forward and midfielder and also look to hit the scoreboard regularly. Trent McKenzie, will make the move from the forward line to the backline and look to add experience and aerial dominance across in that area. He'll receive great support in the backline from Kier Bol, Aaron Britten, Josh Cooper, Alex Tran, and Billy Cannolo. Jackson Barling has also impressed throughout the pre-season.
"We have recruited extremely well with Nick Ebinger, Tom Mundy, and Jack Noonan from Williamstown to play key forward and midfield roles and will receive support from ex-Port Melbourne player Anthony Anastasio. These players bring a wealth of VFL experience including playing in premierships at VFL level. Ruckman Paul Tsapatolis was recruited from Point Cook and will provide first use to our running midfielders, and Mitch Palma and Dan Strnak recruited from Point Cook Centrals will also add to the midfield depth. Jason Johannisen will provide excitement, run and creativity from half back when his coaching commitments at Hawthorn allow him to play. Kwame McHarg and Lin Jong will provide that X-factor that can turn games."
2026 OUTLOOK
"One of our season goals is to finish in the top three and gain a double finals chance.
"We also want to improve upon season 2025 in which we made our first Premier Division finals appearance. We'd like to win as many finals as possible."
ON THE RECORD WITH JAMIE MADIGAN
Biggest pest at the club?
Jake McKenzie.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Twilight.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Kwame McHarg.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Trent McKenzie.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Hard work, discipline, and a team-first mentality.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Deon Azzopardi (Sunshine), Jack Dorgan (Portarlington), Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs), Dean Nuttall (St Albans), Dominic Calabro (Hillside), Anthony Calabro (Hillside), Anthony Anastasio (Wonthaggi Power), Paul Tsapatolis (Point Cook), Daniel Strnak (Point Cook Centrals), Mitchell Palma (Point Cook Centrals).
Out: Lukas Woodhouse (Wyndhamvale), Shannon Gill (Laverton Magpies), Josh Chatfield (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Callum Micallef (Albion), Hayden Gill (Wallan), Cade Anset (Burnside Heights), Craig Plant (Wyndham Suns), Liam Baird (Diggers Rest), Noah Campbell Wiley (Diggers Rest), Lachlan Smart (Wallan), Dion Hill (Wallan), William Krithararis (Melton Centrals), Zen Christofi (Caroline Springs), Reece Tompkins (Kyneton).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
After breaking through for its first EDFL Premier Division finals appearance, Deer Park has brought in some big names as it looks to go deeper into the finals series in 2026. The Lions have secured ex-VFL talents like Anthony Anastasio and Paul Tsapatolis and gained regular commitment from Tom Mundy, Jack Noonan, and Nick Ebinger, along with big-name recruit Jason Johannisen when coaching commitments allow. Lin Jong will also return from injury to make their top-end very dangerous. Depth was an issue for Deer Park last year and may be a factor at times this year with outward low-point players, but if they get the best team they can within 46 points out there on a regular basis, they'll be an exciting watch.
