Football
25 September, 2026
HDFNL football team of the year
After a memorable 2026 season, Wimmera Mallee News has put together an HDFNL football team of the year.
Games played, individual impact and team record were the major factors considered in the process.
Forwards
With an unmatched marking and goal-kicking ability, Jack Fenner was an obvious choice at full forward with 114 goals across 19 games.
The tall forward also demonstrated his ability to read the game and assist teammates.
While usually switching between the midfield and the forward line, Tyler Roos and Jason Westley are more than adept up forward, having kicked 30 and 25 goals, respectively.
The duo have the speed, skill and football IQ to complement Fenner in the forward pockets.
Cody Deutscher slots in at centre half forward, with his marking and goal-kicking ability having helped him to 45 majors in 2026.
An impact player with the versatility to play across the park, Dylan Shelley is a fitting pick after kicking 49 goals in 2026.
An impressive mark and booming left-foot kicker, grand final best on ground Josh Hutchinson is a logical pick on the half-forward flank.
Midfield
Always in the thick of the action as a ball winner or tackler, Daniel Easson is well suited to lead the team in the middle of the park.
While having taken more of an on-ball role in 2026, Monty Wynne has the speed and attacking ability to assist the forward line or kick goals from the wing.
Arguably the quickest player in the competition, standout Lachlan Bates was an X-factor all season long for the Cougars.
A constant goal threat with his mix of speed and anticipation, Bates finished the year with 35 goals.
Hamish Bennett’s mix of strength, handball disposal and marking ability sees him line up as the team’s ruckman.
Having finished as best and fairest winner and runner-up, respectively, Declan Phyland and Jai Thompson are the obvious picks as rovers.
Phyland’s ability to seize an opportunity and capitalise with his left-foot boot meant he could also transition up forward if need be.
Thompson showcased why he is one of the competition’s best players with his strength, decision-making and ability to hit the scoreboard, kicking 35 goals in 2026.
Backs
A superb athlete who can play anywhere on the park, Blake Dodson's strong boot and ability to beat defenders see him slot in at centre halfback.
Kaniva’s decision to move Dodson to the back six was a big factor in their finals run.
Similar to Dodson, Wade Francis spent most of the 2026 season in the midfield, but the Bomber's mixture of physicality, composure and disposal ability has made him one of the most dangerous halfbacks in recent years.
Fresh off a premiership season, Todd Heynen’s work on the right halfback flank regularly set up Laharum’s offence, with the key backman rarely being beaten by his opposition player.
Capable of playing numerous positions, Patrick Mills’ mix of size, awareness and skill helped Kalkee become one of the better defensive teams in the league.
On his right, Zach Kelly was a key component to Noradjuha Quantong’s defence, continually disrupting opposition forward 50 entries while helping move the ball upfield.
On the opposite side, Matt Jones had another strong under-the-radar year as an ever-steady presence in the Southern Roos’ backline.
Interchange
Tenacious in the contest and quick to pounce on an opportunity, Will Burbury would slot into the midfield group with ease.
Another midfielder who racks up plenty of disposals, Matt Rosier was a difference-maker in what was another fine season for Pimpinio.
Switching his time between halfback and the ruck, Shannon Argall proved he is still one of the league’s best with an outstanding finals series.
While some selections were straightforward, there were several players who were unlucky, none more so than Michael Close, whose injury in the back half of the season was the biggest factor contributing to his exclusion.
Another tough call was Robbie Miller, who could slot in at numerous midfield and forward positions, but having led Laharum to a premiership, is a deserved coach for the team of the year.
Other close omissions were Judah Hobbs, Jack Vague, Brett Ervin, Nick Groves, Adam Westley, Brock Hamerston, Joshua Clayton, Tanner Smith, Matt Nield, Andy Devereaux, Billy Cameron, Daniel Weetra and Alex Baker.