With Round 1 fast approaching, Scoop has caught up with all ten senior footy coaches as they prepare for season 2026!
Having just missed the finals action last season, is this the year that Tony Lockyer takes the Burra back into September?
SCOOP: Well Tony, you’re aiming for a return to finals having missed out the last two seasons. Why should Burra fans be excited for the year ahead?
TONY LOCKYER: Burra fans are always excited to get back down to Marty Busch! They have seen the improvement throughout 2025 on field in the senior team, our reserves went through to the grand final with some exciting talent coming through that side, we’ve added some quality players in recruitment and the boys have put in a fantastic preseason so far. Our Burra community will have no trouble getting excited Scoop!
S: Some coaches don’t like looking back but there was a bit to like about second half season (5-4). Only Darley (9-0) and Sunbury (7-2) were better for win / loss?
TL: There certainly was. We started playing a more mature brand of footy and looked a dangerous side in the run home. Unfortunately, we left our run a little late, losing a few close games. Looking back, it was pleasing to show that form and really challenge quality teams like grand finalists Sunbury. We want to start the season on the front foot.
S: Tell us about the newbies Tony, in Henderson, Buckley and Medwell after his time at Footscray…
TL: We are excited about all 3 transitioning from premier competitions into ours (GFL and VFL). Felix is a superb talent and brings a unique skill set to the midfield, his height and ability to move with composure in traffic will make him a difficult match up for opposition. Jack brings class, maturity and leadership to our backline, a premiership player from St Joeys. Anyone linked to GFL footy in recent years will be fully aware of his quality. Bailey won our best and fairest before going down to Footscray and will bring genuine power to our midfield. He’s coming back from an injury interrupted 2025 but is looking extremely fit and hungry to get back into the contest – pumped to have him back. We’ve also added Lachy Rokebrand, a mature recruit who has captained Lexton for the last few years. Excited to see his progress as he steps into the BFL.
S: What is Toby Hutt up to - clearly a vital cog in the Burras chances overcoming the leading clubs?
TL: The great man Toby is going well and is super important to us. Legend of our club. He is looking very fit and strong after an excellent 2025. He is determined to improve again in 2026 and will be a handful for opposition given his mobility across the ground. He’s also spending some time working on speciality ruck craft in the preseason with ex VFL listed and Carisbrook legend Jackson Bowen (thank you to Jacko – go Carisbrook!)
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
TL: Team defence is a focus for 2026 and starting the year well.
INS & OUTS
Out: J. Hill (Learmonth), M. Johnson (Warrnambool), H. Papst (Work QLD), R. OKeefe (Noosa Tigers), L. OKeefe (Maroochydore)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS
N/A
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE
March 21st - Port Fairy vs Sebastopol
CLUB IMPROVERS TIP
Lakers and Bacchus Marsh
FLAG TIP
Darley or Melton
SCOOP SAYS
