Defending champions Western Park will again be the team to beat in the Warragul District Cricket Association (WDCA).
The envy of clubs across the league given their high participation, depth and star power, the Warriors will field five senior teams in 2025-26 and are well positioned for another flag tilt in the top grade.
The competition kicks off this weekend, and last year’s flag winners will kick off their campaign against Longwarry.
Longwarry had a noted bowling lineup last season and has further strengthened that facet with the addition of two front-line quicks, while they will look inward to get collective improvement from their batters – necessary if they are to reach finals.
Drouin, which came runner up in both the regular season and one-day competition, again shape as a likely challenger to Western Park.
Despite losing two gun batters, Lahiru Jayakody and Gamini Kumara, their overall depth is stronger and the addition of two spinners makes them a more rounded lineup.
Kumara has crossed to Hallora, which will be looking to build on its semi-final appearance last season.
Trafalgar is a respected club expected to bounce back, while Iona has brought in a new coach, Matt Campbell from Merinda Park, and have welcomed through some recruits, identifying likely top-end players and putting structures in place to be more consistent and disciplined across the season.
In Division 2, Garfield/Tynong will hope last season’s grand final loss after an undefeated season can fuel it to take the next step in 2025/26, having retained its list and added a couple of recruits.
Buln Buln will be strengthened by overseas signing Ollie Langford and are expected to build into the season as it progresses with youngsters to get an opportunity.
After missing out on finals by just two points last season, Warragul will be looking to take the next step in Division 2, and will be bolstered by the recruit of gun all-rounder Nick Booth.
Jindivick’s firsts side has dropped back from Division 2 to Division 3 as it looks to rebuild following some tough times, with Sean Vioto charged with leading the next generation.
A tight season is expected – let the games begin!
