Yarra Valley Water InFocus 2026 | Ringwood

By Christopher Kourtis.

Ringwood have started off strong in their race for finals footy in 2026.

The Redbacks finished sixth for a third consecutive season, missing out onfinals by a win and percentage points.

With four wins out of their last five games, the senior men’s side have looked to build on the momentum. The club have announced a range of new signings, many of which have come from higher divisions.

Headlining the arrivals are Premier Division stalwart Tyson Calder and imposing ruckman Tom Jackson, who last played in the EFNL for North Ringwood in the 2024 Division One competition. 

Senior coach Brett Rowe is excited to see what the pair can do in securing first use of the footy for their side. 

“We were really aggressive with how we wanted to recruit,” Rowe said.

“[Calder and Jackson] have really lifted our standards as a group, and we think they’re going to go a long way to helping us hopefully push into finals.”

The aim of finals is shared by all at Jubilee Park, and it seems like they now have what it takes to reach their goal. 

“The pass mark for us is finals, without a doubt,” Rowe said.

“I think the group knows they’re capable… if we don’t go with that mindset of ‘we’re good enough to be in finals’, then there’s no point of really turning up on a weekend.”

Ringwood need to get off to a good start to give themselves the best chance of reaching the post-season, but with their opening run of fixtures, it’s easier said than done. Within the first month the side will face Mulgrave, Lilydale, Heathmont and Surrey Park – three of last year’s finalists, all before Round Five. 

Despite the difficult start to the season, coach Rowe is excited for what lies ahead. No matter what is thrown at them, he says, the Redbacks need to seizetheir opportunity.

“[We’re] really looking forward to that first month of footy… that’s a real test for us.

“If we want to play finals… we need to start making a stamp on the competition… what better way than the first four weeks?”