Insiders at Deakin Reserve recognise the solid foundation being laid, with playing co-coach Jesse Cucinotta and sideline mentor Trent Freer committing to guide the Dees’ rebuild through 2026.
“We’ve put a lot of structures into place to be better next year with some recruiting and obviously blokes going around again,” Freer said.
“As much as the win-loss column hasn't been great this year, we've certainly had wins in different ways.”
It’s been an injury-stricken campaign for the Dees, whose sole victory came against Tatura in round nine.
A core group including Jensen Dowling, Sam Jackson, Sheldon Bogdan, Liam Fiore, Nick Loverso and Caidan Phillips has sustained medium to long-term afflictions throughout the course of the season.
But with those returning players, experience in the tank for the younger core and reportedly some early recruitments in the bank, there could be more than 10 handy “inclusions” for next year.
“I think with the players that we've got who have already said they're sticking around and, also, with the recruitments of a few, we're certainly in a much better place going forward,” Freer said.
“We have a real big chunk of our side in that 0-50 game bracket; we’ve really gone out and tried to grab some real ready-made leaders, ready-made senior footballers in the 75-100 game brackets.
“We’ve already secured some really good footballers going forward, but it’s just a little bit early to give out names just yet.
“We’ve picked up a handful already and (we’re) right on the verge of hopefully landing four or five others that are super keen to be involved at the club.”
United hosts Seymour at Deakin Reserve this Saturday before rounding out the season with games against Mooroopna and Euroa.
The Lions have also turned their eye to next season, recommitting a host of top-end talent in senior co-coach Jack Murphy, Nathan Beattie, Nic Quigg, Nathan Fowler and Huw Jones, as well as a stack of up and coming prospects.
Seymour president Peter Elliott was elated to retain a number of big names for 2026.
“We’re thrilled to have these five boys back on board for next season. It sends a clear message that we’re serious about challenging the very best teams in the league,” Elliott said.
“Jack Murphy has been outstanding as our senior co-coach this year and his passion is unmatched. Nathan Beattie and Nic Quigg are star midfielders and having all three on the park together will make us formidable in the middle.
“Nathan Fowler is a true heart and soul player and a key presence up forward. We also can’t wait to see Huwy running out again in 2026.
“While we’re out of finals contention this year, we’re focused on finishing the season strong and look forward to announcing more re-signings in the coming weeks.”