This Saturday marks the official start of the 2026 Smithy's VFL Season, with Footscray kicking off their Premiership defence against the Casey Demons. 

The game signals the official end to a long but fruitful pre-season, with the ‘Scray full of momentum after recording a win over Werribee in their final practice match last Saturday.

Footscray fought off a slow start against the always dangerous Werribee to record an impressive 46-point victory in what senior coach Alex Johnson saw as a good sign of things to come.

At the helm of the VFL side for the first time in 2026, Johnson was buoyed by the team’s ability to execute their game plan and win the contested ball against one of the best teams in the league.

“We stayed in the fight in the first quarter and then in the second quarter, we were able to take over and get on top of the contested part of the game,” Johnson said.

“We just let our free-flowing footy take over which was really pleasing.” 

Johnson praised the efforts of his experienced midfield brigade, calling out the contributions of developing ruck Lachie Smith and the added expertise of a returning Adam Treloar. 

“Lachie Smith had a big battle on hands and he was up for the fight all day,” he said

“The experience of Adam Treloar in the middle helped with the stoppage side of things.

“The reliability of Cooper Craig-Peters, Billy Crofts and Dan Orgill when they’re in there it makes a massive difference for what we’re trying to achieve.” 

It wasn’t just around the contest that the Dogs were able to get on top of the opposition. 

Their ability to clear the ball from the contest and surge forward with great efficiency was one of the highlights of their game.

Footscray would finish with 31 scores from 51 entries and 12 individual goal scorers - lead once again by the budding partnership of Will Darcy and Chan Hargraves. 

Johnson spoke positively on the developing mix of forward line talent believing that in time, the combination will cause headaches for the opposition defenders. 

“Will (Darcy) has surprised everyone the most in the first few games of the pre-season,” he said.

"Being a first-year player and a pretty underdeveloped, raw athlete - but, he kicked four goals in the first half which is significant. 

“I think the way he plays the game and his athletic capabilities, he’s just going to get looks every week. He’d be a nightmare match up for any defender because he is so athletic, he’s so competitive and he takes the ball at the highest point. 

“Chan Hargraves is continuing to get more looks and his athletic ability is pretty significant as well. He just needs to continue to work on the forward craft side of his game. He’s getting looks.

“The small forwards like (Laird) Ramshaw and (Josh) Dolan when they show up, they’re playing pretty well.” 

The game also marked the important return of AFL-listed midfielder Adam Treloar who made an important step forward in his return from injury.

Treloar’s experience and class shone during his limited minutes against Werribee, while his willingness to help those around him showcased the importance of the veteran midfielder on the field. 

“His ability to win ball at stoppage and be clean around the contest is significant,” Johnson said of Treloar.

“He physically got through alright. He played some reasonable minutes. Obviously, he hasn’t played throughout a long lay off so hopefully this week he’ll build the game minutes a little bit more. 

“It’s always great having him in the VFL.

“He’s so invested in the younger guys and helping them out there. He’s an on-field coach so it makes a big difference.” 

Footscray finish the pre-season practice match period with three wins from four games and have looked more confident as the games have gone on. 

As they plan to unfurl the 2025 Premiership Flag pre-game at Mission Whitten Oval this Saturday afternoon, Footscray will be hoping for the perfect start to their 2026 campaign - eager to get out and play for points after a long pre-season. 

“It feels like it’s been a long-time coming. They are practice games on paper but, the attitude and intent the boys have brought has been significant - particularly for the last two weeks. 

“I’m excited to have four points on the line and get the season going proper against Casey who finished the season really strongly last year. It’ll be a heated battle this weekend.

“It’ll be great to have Stewart Edge come back - the coach from last year. It’ll be awesome for him to be there. 

“A premiership at any level, let alone at the VFL level is a significant milestone for those players. Hopefully, it gives them extra incentive to go out and execute throughout the four quarters.” 

Fans are encouraged to get to the ground early to watch the 2025 VFL Premiership flag be unveiled. The ceremony will begin at approximately 11:40AM.