Football
2 April, 2026
HDFNL 2026 preview: Four straight in Roos sights
The Harrow Balmoral Southern Roos are set to be the team to watch in 2026 as they chase a historic fourth straight premiership.
In the 92 years of the Horsham District Football League, only one club has managed more than three premierships in a row: Kalkee, from 2008 to 2012.
Coach Jai Thompson heads into the season confident about a possible four-peat, but admits motivation would play a big role if they want to win the premiership again.
“I go in with full confidence,” he said.
“Our list is still in a good spot; we’ve still got some really good talent, regardless of losing a couple of players.
“If I didn’t go in confident after winning three, I think I’d be a silly man.
“With the way we’ve been training and the way the boys are engaged and listening, there’s no reason we can’t.
“I just think it's all gonna depend on how much we really want it throughout the year, and obviously, if some of the other teams improve as well.”
The Southern Roos coach admits the side will miss key players; however, Thompson believes the growth of numerous young players and the addition of recruits should help fill the gaps.
“Simon Close and Dalton Burns, who have been crucial to multiple premierships, have both retired.
“We also lose a couple of our younger players to other commitments, such as Charlie Johnston.
“But I think someone like Archer Cameron, who last year played in both the under-17s and in the seniors, will bring greater form with just having one game to play this year.
“Dan Brody, who returns to the club, has had a really good preseason.
“Also, our recruit Liam Hickman has been impressive, so I think that mix of guys can fill a bit of the void of Simon and Dalton.
“It goes without saying, but Mitch Grant is primed for another big year and is at an age to really explode in this league at either midfield or at half-forward.”
Thompson noted the team began preseason training later than usual but believes they would start the season refreshed and motivated to achieve further success.
“We decided it would be nice to have a bit of an extra break, so we started in January,” he said.
“The motivation is always there to compete, the focus is back, and we’ve still got plenty of good players.
“Hopefully, we can keep pushing for a bit more success because the outsiders will come, and eventually these guys will get a bit older.
“The group knows what we have doesn’t come around often, and we have this opportunity to have another crack at it.”
