Yarra Valley Water InFocus 2026 | Lilydale

By Blake Tennant.

A youthful Falcons are striving to go again in 2026 after remaining in Division Two despite a tenth-place finish.

No relegation from the division last season means the Falcons have been given another chance to consolidate their position in Division Two.

Senior Coach Mark Sandilands will take the reins after stepping into the role halfway through last season.

Despite winning just the two games for the season, there were plenty of positive signs, even pushing some of the best sides of last season such as Surrey Park.

“We want them to enjoy their footy this year and take the game on more, adapting to the pressure of the opposition,” Sandilands said.

A young core group of players make up the identity of this Falcons side, with many players seeking their first look at senior opportunities this year.

Zac Cileceken has been one of the major recruits that has made their way to Lilydale this year, moving from Premier division club, East Ringwood.

Cileceken has been a fringe player for the Premier Division Roos, and is a massive bonus for the Falcons, after booting 29 goals last year.

 “He’s a natural leader, brings energy to the group, he’ll be a focal point in the forward line," Sandilands said.

Jesse Brown and Tom Riddleford have also come to the Falcons from Blackburn.

Both have had plenty of success at Premier Division level through the Under 19.5's and Reserves competitions, playing in a very strong Blackburn side.

Getting an opportunity at more senior football, Will Connor has come to the club from South Croydon. In 2025, he took home the club's reserves best and fairest award.

Zach Vippond also joins from Park Orchards after being apart of the 2025 Sharks reserves premiership side.

There's great optimism for the club to improve on last year's results as they head into the season.

Lilydale open their 2026 campaign against Croydon On April 11th at Croydon Oval.