But already its back-to-back prospects have received a boost.
The Road has announced the arrival of Goulburn Valley League premiership player and interleague representative David Mennen, with the Benalla star making the switch across to the Murray league.
The Saints midfielder, a former Murray Bushrangers and VFL player, averaged 28 disposals this season rolling through the middle and across half-back, and was a member of the GVL side that played the VAFA in July’s representative football clash.
The announcement of the 2015 Benalla premiership player’s switch to Congupna comes only 48 hours after The Road clinched an eight-point win over Cobram in the Murray league decider – their fourth consecutive grand final appearance.
And Mennen isn’t the only one making their Goulburn Valley League departure, with Rochester brothers Hugh and Cooper Hamilton heading home to junior club Colbinabbin.
Cooper returns to MJ Morgan Oval after a season of VFL with Carlton before moving north to play for Queensland rival Southport, the former GWS Giant departing the Tigers after 30 games.
With brother Hugh, Rochester loses 95 goals from the past two seasons, the strong key forward set to play his first game in green since 2019 when the next campaign rolls around.
The Tigers missed 2026 finals by one game, with incoming coach Marty Hore set to spearhead the club’s efforts to return to the GVL post-season.
Meanwhile, Seymour has wasted no time bolstering its netball squad with Bendigo Strikers’ Hayley Howard signing on at Kings Park for 2027.
The Victorian Netball League goal shooter drained 446 goals this season and was a key player in the Strikers’ road to finals.
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