The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Strathmore coach Matthew Horne who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 3rd, Premiers (11W, 6L, 1D, 158.85%)
Coach: Matthew Horne
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
We've focused on ensuring that the whole playing group continue to build a stronger connection.
"We believe we are the fittest group in the competition and want to continue to build on that."
LIST SHAPE
"Our list shape is really good, we have a lot of young emerging talent while still having a number of quality senior players. If anything, our total numbers are a little light which would be a slight concern for the total squad.
"We have bought in a few guys, but we believe that internally we will be able to fill majority of the roles.
"Some big names have moved on due to retirement (Iacobucci and Purcell), location (Holian and Jarrad) and playing AFL (Scerri) from the premiership side and also lost some others but we are confident in improving guys that didn’t play in the premiership and also a lot of young kids with our Under 18s not having lost a game in two years."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Liam Cavanagh, Sam Hayes, and Trent Dumont.
"The whole group have had a big summer. 95 per cent of the group ran under seven minutes for the 2km.
"Hayes, Andrew Gallucci, and Daniel Mammoliti have had big pre-seasons."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We want to win the flag, engage all supporters at the club, and have fun doing it.
"As a club we want to have a stronger connection between everyone involved in the footy club. One club, one family."
ON THE RECORD WITH MATTHEW HORNE
Biggest pest at the club?
Peppy.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Twilight.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Brock Egglestone.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Chris Scerri.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Corey Grindlay.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Competitive.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Flag tip outside of Strathmore?
Maribyrnong Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Max Cirigliano (Irymple), Jack Ryan (Craigieburn), Harrison Brabender (Macleod), Maximus Prendergast (Sunbury), Jesse Corigliano (Eaglehawk), Sebastian Quirk (Wodonga Raiders), Tristan Borghouts (Old Carey Grammarians), Caspar Roberts (Aberfeldie), Oliver Forbes (Pascoe Vale), Jack Sammartino (Banyule).
Out: Zeke Pollock (Tullamarine), Jack Ryan (Craigieburn), Nathan Clarke (East Sunbury), Brendan Clarke (East Sunbury), Max Murray (St Kevins OB), Aidan Nathanielsz (Heidelberg), Mitchell McLean (Heathcote), Christopher Scerri (Fremantle), Jake Waters (Heathcote), Haidyn Shade (Moonee Valley), campbell mann (Nathalia), Patrick Flatman (Tullamarine), Zane Murphy (Across The Waves Bundaberg), Jai Murphy (Across The Waves Bundaberg), Wil Oosterhof (Oak Park), Marcus Maurici (Tullamarine), Oliver Warburton (Oak Park), Jameson Haxby (Riddell), Keegan Radecki (Tullamarine), Tom Sagar (PEGS), Isaac Brill (Pyramid Hill), Oscar Viti (Crib Point), Andrew Vavra (Keilor), Sebastian Moffett (Moonee Valley), jett laidler (Airport West), Harry Jones (Heatherton), Hamish Pearce (Sunbury), Benjamin Holian (Palm Beach Currumbin), Noah Pierce (Gisborne Giants), Zachary Hutchison (Westmeadows), Lucas Scerri (Tullamarine), William Baker (Parkside), Luke Jarrad (Ocean Grove), James Sala (Pyramid Hill), Jack Cook (Parkside).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Strathmore returned to the top of the mountain after peaking at the back end of the year. They'll have a different look with some outgoing stars, while Matthew Horne returns to replace Nick Ash as coach. It'll be interesting to see how they fill the void left by the likes of Adam Iacobucci, Luke Jarrad, and Mitch Purcell, but they have a lot of young talent who could get some strong exposure this year.
