YvWater 2026 Season Review | Silvan
By Christopher Kourtis.
Silvan’s senior football side made significant progress in season 2026, returning to the Division Three finals series.
SENIOR MEN'S
Ladder position: 5th (36 points, 106.95%)
Best and Fairest: Matteo D’Alfonso
Leading goal kicker: Matthew Low (55 goals)
Summary
Silvan started off their season strong, knocking off a couple of premiership contenders early in Knox and an undefeated The Basin on their way to a 7-2 start.
After troubles on the road last season, they buried that hoodoo early in the year, with some comprehensive away victories.
After Round 10 the Cats slowed down, only managing two wins in their last seven home-and-away games, finishing fifth on the Division Three ladder.
Facing Knox in the Elimination Final, they couldn’t overcome what was already a tall task, losing by 44 points.
The side did well to secure a finals slot but with only two wins against the teams above them, fifth place and a first-round exit was a fitting end to their season.
Best Win: Round 5 – The Basin 6.7-43 def. by 6.11-47 Silvan @ Batterham Reserve
Sometimes the best wins are the ugly ones. Trailing by three points at three-quarter time, it looked like The Basin’s undefeated start to the season would continue.
Silvan’s defence stood tall in the final term though, holding the Bears scoreless to cap off a hard-fought encounter with a seven-point win.
Tyson Bissels was awarded best on honours, as Cameron Blease kicked two goals. Matteo D’Alfonso was his usual self, polling 20 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances and a goal.
Key Players:
Matteo D’Alfonso was brilliant all season. D’Alfonso was in the best thirteen times, the joint most in the division. The midfield accumulator was the Team of the Year captain and league best and fairest runner up.
He shared that runners up accolade with teammate Matthew Low, who kicked 55 goals at an average of 3.2 a game, also recording ten times in best.
Matt Steiniger also earned a Team of the Year berth, the wiry defender listed on the full-back line after a strong campaign as his side’s key interceptor.
What’s next?
While 2026 showed signs of promise, the Cats still have a way to go to close the gap to the league leaders in 2027.
Plenty of re-signings have already been announced, alongside the signature of third-generation Cat Cooper Rowe.
The club will be eager to recruit some quality to avoid being cut adrift in Division Three – if they can lure some higher division players to the club, it will bring the experience and skill needed to keep the club moving forward.
NETBALL
Silvan Cats managed one win in Division Three, which came against last-placed South Croydon. While it was their only win, it was enough to keep them off the bottom. Emily Mitchell was awarded the side's best and fairest.
Silvan Cats Blue finished ninth yet showed plenty of signs of promise in Division Eight. The side won four games, including one against third-placed East Ringwood in Round 10. Chantelle Infanti won the Best and Fairest award, while teammate Ashlyn Hermansen was listed as the Team of the Year goal-shooter.
Silvan Cats White were winless in Division Fourteen. Emma O’Rourke was the side’s best and fairest.
Comments