The Demons have re-signed Werribee gun and club export Angus Hicks, who called time on his VFL career at the end of the Tigers’ campaign this year.
Hicks was technically on Shepparton United’s list this year, as all VFL players are required to commit a local side, but the 2024 premiership forward played just one game in red and blue in 2025 due to his stable position in the Bees’ line-up.
However following his retirement from state-league football, the Demons’ list has been bolstered significantly by Hicks’ full time inclusion, as the club look to build on a three-win season that ended with momentum, notching back-to-back results in the final two rounds.
Across the GVL landscape, Seymour superstar Riley Mason has re-committed to the Lions.
The Collingwood VFL-listed key forward played just five games for the red, gold and blue in 2025, but his impact was black and white.
In just a handful of appearances, Mason kicked 27 goals, including two five-goal hauls, one six-goal effort and a mammoth nine goals against Tatura.
Additionally, the Lions scored a 4-1 record with Mason in the side, compared to a 6-7 record without him, including wins against eventual finalists Shepparton and Shepparton Swans.
In the Kyabram District League, Shepparton East has had its coaching panel recommit for 2026.
Senior coach Dwain Vidler is one of those Eagles leaders to re-sign following another finals campaign for his side, where they bowed out in a shock elimination final loss to Rushworth.
Vidler also led the Eagles to a runners-up finish in 2024.
Elsewhere in the Murray football and netball competitions, there has been movement within the Tongala and Moama stables.
The Blues have announced a new coach for the A-grade netball side in 2026, with Abby Pettifer to lead from the helm.
Pettifer replaces premiership and Murray interleague coach Grace Hammond, returning from a six-year working stint overseas to the club where she won multiple club best and fairests in the A-grade side.
Tongala has also signed the talents of Katunga’s Darcy Laffy, a prolific forward in the Picola District League this season.
Laffy kicked 36 goals from 11 games despite the Swans’ 5-11 record on the year.
Further north, Moama co-coach Liam Barrett has departed the Magpies nest for former club Golden Square in the Bendigo Football League.
The Magpies leader led the club to consecutive finals appearances while at the helm, including a preliminary final appearance this season, but returns to the Bulldogs where he won a premiership in 2023.
Co-coach Jye Warren was also announced by the club to have stepped down from his seniors role earlier this month.