K Rock Football | Leopold and St Joseph’s will both unveil numerous recruits and under-18 graduates when they do battle to open the 2026 GFNL season at Lorne’s Stribling Reserve.

The Polders and Joeys have experienced a significant loss of talent since the 2025 season ended.

Leopold has farewelled nine players who featured across its 2023-24 premierships, while half of St Joseph’s grand final 22 from last year will play elsewhere in 2026.

Rookie Lions coach Sam Hughes has eight players pulling on the green and gold for the first time at senior level, headlined by former Lara star Darby Henderson.

Newcomers to Memorial Park getting a chance to impress early are Adam Enever (Tatura), Ziggy Lee (Redan), Ethan Skene (North Cairns) and Archie Eichler (Buninyong), while former Leopold junior Charlie Gardiner has returned from a season at St Mary’s and will also line up.

Hughes has handed senior debuts to under-18 products Solomon Harvey and Nick Maultby.

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