Yarra Valley Water InFocus 2026 | Montrose

By Blake Tennant.

After missing out on the finals last season, the Demons have made some big changes ahead of the 2026 season.

Last year brought an end to the reign of Hawthorn legend Gary Ayres after a four year stint coaching Montrose. It now sets up a new chapter with returning premiership coach, Brett Johnson, taking on the role as senior coach.

Johnson is no stranger to the Montrose Football Club, having last coached the club to a flag in 2013. He was there up until 2016 before an eight-year stint with the Geelong Cats.

“It feels nice to be welcomed back, it feels like it hasn’t been long,” Johnson said.

Johnson is looking for a fresh approach with fresh ideas with the playing group

“We have to make sure that the group plays to its team and individual strengths.”

The Demons have recruited very well, picking up Ex-AFL and state league footballer Riley Collier Dawkins.

“Riley has played at the highest level and second tier comp, his experience around the group has been a massive inclusion.”

Also coming to the club is Croydon trio Riley Britton, Andrew Carter and the former Blues captain Fraser Smith.

All whom have had massive pre-seasons for the club.

“They have all integrated very well into the group very well and will have a lot of experience to add to the talented list.”

Ex AFL and state league footballer Brodie McLaughlin will return to Montrose, having played one game for the club last season. Brodie is coming off dual Frosty Miller medals kicking 67 goals in the VFL and is set to be a very handy inclusion for the Demons.

Liam Bowden has also returned to Montrose after a stint at Mount Evelyn.

Johnson is very optimistic about his expectations this season, but a return to finals is the ultimate goal heading into the year.

“It’s all about connecting well with each other as well as the system and with this talented group we have, it should be an exciting season to see how far we can go.”

Montrose kickstart their 2026 season campaign against Bayswater at Montrose Recreation Reserve on April 11th.

Another successful 2025 season saw Montrose Senior Women’s side make a second consecutive Grand Final appearance, falling short to local rivals, Mooroolbark.

Shilette Baker has stepped down after coaching the side since 2022 having taken the side to two grand finals.

The Demons have selected Steve Varley as the new Senior Women’s coach for this upcoming season.

Varley has worked as an assistant coach at Richmond VFLW before coaching Mount Evelyn Women’s program for four years. 

Last year Varley led the Mount Evelyn side to a premiership in the Outer East competition.

Varley has been very impressed with the group so far.

“It’s a young group which is good, the intensity has been great and it’s been a real positive start to the season.”

The Montrose juniors have again integrated with the senior team this year with the Under 18’s training every night with the senior team.

“Young emerging player Zarley McGregor has already had a strong impact and is set to have a big 2026 season coming up from the Under 18’s.”

Varley is looking to continue building the connection from junior club to senior club, assuring everything is set up a strong women’s program.

“It won’t just happen with sides coming in and we need to be respectful on what we are going into battle against.”

Montrose Senior Women’s open their season against Kilsyth on April 18th at Montrose Recreation Reserve.