The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Moonee Valley coach Andrew Horne who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 8th (5W, 13L, 65%)
Coach: Andrew Horne
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Across the pre-season, we worked a lot on our ball movement and trying to have speed on the ball as much as possible.
"We’re always looking to improve as a team and as individuals."
LIST SHAPE
"Our list is pretty healthy at the moment. We were able to add a few more to it which has been nice.
"All our new recruits will help improve the group and I am excited to see how they perform."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Keep an eye on Nathan Williams and Lachy Grant this year.
"A lot of young ones on our list have had a strong pre-season. We were able to play 13 from the 18s last year, so I'm hoping to see all of them play more senior footy this year."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We haven't put a ceiling on the upcoming season, but we'll keep looking ahead and growing the club in 2026."
ON THE RECORD WITH ANDREW HORNE
Biggest pest at the club?
Darcey Brooks.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Afternoon.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Sam Darcy.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Seany Callander.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Competitive.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Hardest opposition player or coach to coach against?
Mitch Leathers (Oak Park).
Flag tip outside of Moonee Valley?
Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Aydin Ali (Aberfeldie), Xavier Pizzichetta (Strathmore), Ricky Halabi (Bulleen Templestowe), Haidyn Shade (Strathmore), Alec Augustes (Maribyrnong Park), Thomas Mahfoud (Glen Orden), Ayden Brown (Maribyrnong Park), Brad Dean (Northside Lions), Eli Lovell (Northside Lions), Sebastian Moffett (Strathmore), Noah Smallacombe (Lancefield), James Mamo (Coburg Districts), Matthew Di Qual (Coburg Districts), Joachim Liaw (Woodend-Hesket), Jackson Young (Therry Penola), Adrian De Saint Leger-Allison (Therry Penola), Sean Callander (Therry Penola), Aaron Sagona (Point Cook Centrals), Kurt Mayne (Point Cook Centrals), Lachlan Grant (Point Cook Centrals), Nathan Williams (Point Cook Centrals), Mitch Clarke Port (Melbourne Colts).
Out: Gianluca Murone-Barr (Pascoe Vale), Ahmaad Taleb (West Coburg), Adam Park (Pascoe Vale), Zachari Merhi (Northern Saints), Ali Taha (Glenroy), Burhan Kassab (West Coburg), Ahmed Dabdoub (West Coburg), Marcus Currenti (Maribyrnong Park), Julian Fazzolari (Pascoe Vale).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a rollercoaster 2025 season for the Fog with some incredible wins, and some tough defeats. Andrew Horne will be hoping to bridge the gap between their best and worst in his second season in charge with some new recruits boasting top-flight experience, and strong retention overall. It's tough to place Moonee Valley in another balanced season of the best division in local footy, but you'd expect improvement with an eye towards fighting for higher spots on the ladder.
