Dane Leyden returns as senior football coach in 2026.
The Blighty Redeyes will be hoping to build on the improved returns of last year in the Picola District Football and Netball League in 2026.
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The club is buoyed by premiership success in the under-13s netball, winning a premiership 22 to 16 over the Deni Rovers.
While there were no successful returns in the other grades, there were improved results for the Redeyes across the board, and with several successful community events off the field.
This led to the re-signing of coach Dane Leyden to build ahead of 2026.
Leyden joined Blighty at the end of 2023 from Echuca United, and soon proved himself as one of the club’s strongest players.
It earned him back-to-back senior best-and-fairest medals at the end of the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Having spent time in the Mornington Peninsula League with Dromana and the Northern Territory Football League with Palmerston as well, Leyden will continue to bring a wealth of knowledge the Redeyes have been looking for in their leadership roles.
The club has also made it reserves coach announcement, with Callum McPhee taking the lead.
The club said McPhee’s “passion, leadership and dedication to the club is sure to shine as a loyal Redeye, whose commitment is valued at Blighty”.
The Redeyes are also looking to field a side in the Picola football league under-17s competition after sitting out last year, with Tim Brown announced as the thirds coach.
After stepping away from a coaching role a few years back, the club said Brown is eager to return.
The club said he is known for his leadership and positive attitude and is “committed to creating a fun, safe and supportive environment while developing skills in preparation for senior football”.
Best-and-fairest player Natalie Tremble with coach the under-17s netballers in 2026.
Last season’s fourths coach Jim McDonald will return to the role after a positive season with the side last season.
In netball, only junior coaching announcements have been confirmed so far.
The under-17s are set to be coached again this season by Natalie Tremble.
Tremble has a wealth of knowledge and experience, including an A-grade club best-and-fairest award, and help develop Blighty’ budding netballers.
After taking the under-13s to premiership success last season, Meagan Lowry is set to coach the under-15s this year and continue to work with the players.
Replacing her as coach of the under-13s will be Ellie Caruso, while the under-11s will play under the coaching combination of Catie Michael and Isabel Pearn.
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