Yarra Valley Water InFocus 2026 | Chirnside Park

By Blake Tennant.

After a successful 2025 season, last year’s minor premiers, Chirnside Park, are eager to put their Grand Final loss behind them and contend once again.

Returning as the club’s senior coach, Justin Ficorilli, has labelled this year as ‘unfinished business’ heading into the 2026 season.

“We need to bring back that level we had last year but also lift due to the division being even with sides coming after us,” Ficorilli said.

Chirnside Park had a dominant Home and Away season in Division Four, qualifying for their first senior Grand Final since 2009.

Falling just shy of the Division Four premiership, the side has bolstered their line-up ahead of the season.

A couple of key recruits have come to Chirnside Park this season as they look to bolster their line-up.

Sean Derkson, coming across from Montrose, who rucked one out in the second half of last year and more than held his own.

Connor McGuire has also returned to the club after a stint with Lilydale.

Ficorilli is excited to welcome in the midfielder who won a league best and fairest award in the Under 19.5’s side at Chirnside Park a couple of years ago. A strong midfielder added to the already well-built engine room.

Luke Flannigan, coming from Ringwood, has also had a big pre-season, an addition to forward-line threat Jake Cawsey, who had a stellar 2025 season.

Ficorilli’s expectations are to contend again in a division that is set to extend to a nine-team competition with the addition of Fairpark, Doncaster and Nunawading.

“We want to push for that double chance spot and giving themselves every chance they can to be where they were last year.”

Chirnside Park open their season against Fairpark on the 12th April at Fairpark Reserve.

After an up and down season for Chirnside Park Senior Women's, the side is eager to re-group again.

Dom Ciancio will continue as senior coach after entering the role last season, with belief in the group to win against the contending teams.

“The numbers have been building as well with very big numbers on the track,” Ciancio said.

Belief is the theme, particularly after a big win against Mitcham last year.

Ciancio’s expectations are to contend, focusing on continued improvement within the team and play full four-quarter consistent performances.

Chirnside Park’s youth girls’ program is running very well with junior players playing stepping up into senior football.

Rana Khan and Erin Taylor are two key names who have had great pre-seasons, ready to have a big impact in the 2026 season.

Chirnside Park open their 2026 campaign against North Ringwood Red at Kimberley Reserve in Round One.