ENGADINE EAGLES 35D — 2026 SEASON WRAP-UP

What a year.

As we wrap up our 2026 season, I just want to say how incredibly proud I am of every single person who pulled on the Eagles jersey this year.

Coming off an undefeated Premiership season in 2025, we knew from the very beginning that 2026 was going to be a completely different challenge. There was a target on our backs, expectations were high, and we knew nothing was going to be handed to us.

And it definitely wasn’t.

Throughout the year we had our fair share of injuries, unavailable players, tough results and moments where things could have easily gone the other way. But one thing this team has shown time and time again over the last seven-plus years together is that we don’t fold when things get difficult.

We stick together.

We work for each other.

And we keep turning up.

A massive welcome and congratulations also needs to go to Neel, Will and Pat, who all joined the team this season and fitted into this group brilliantly. All three boys put in a stellar effort throughout the year, gave absolutely everything when called upon and quickly became a big part of what this team is about. We’re extremely proud to have had you boys alongside us this season, and you couldn’t have asked for three better inclusions into a group that has been together for such a long time.

Despite everything thrown at us, we fought our way into the finals.

We knocked out the third-placed team.

Then we knocked out the Minor Premiers.

And suddenly, after everything we’d been through, the Engadine Eagles 35Ds were back in another Grand Final.

Unfortunately, the Grand Final wasn’t our day.

The Crusaders came away with a 4–0 win, and while that result obviously hurts, it doesn’t take anything away from what this group achieved this season.

A Grand Final result is 90 minutes.

This team is much bigger than 90 minutes.

I’m proud of the effort yesterday, but I’m even prouder of the effort, determination, composure and commitment shown throughout the entire year.

What got us as far as we did wasn’t just talent.

It was how close we are as a team.

It was blokes doing jobs for each other.

It was people playing hurt, filling positions, turning up when we were short and continuing to believe when things weren’t going our way.

That’s what makes this team special.

I also want to personally give a massive thank you to my fellow captain, Barry.

Co-captaining this team alongside Baz this year has made the job so much easier. We’ve always been able to communicate honestly, respect each other’s opinions and, most importantly, make decisions based on what was best for the team.

Leadership is a hell of a lot easier when you’ve got someone beside you who cares about the group as much as you do, and I’m proud to have shared that responsibility with you this year mate.

So Baz and I can stand here at the end of another season and say with absolute confidence:

Boys, you should all be bloody proud of yourselves.

Premiers in 2025.

Grand Finalists in 2026.

Two very different seasons, but two seasons that showed exactly what this group is made of.

And we’re certainly not done.

Enjoy the break, let the bodies recover and enjoy what we’ve achieved together.

Because in 2027, we go again.

We’ll come back stronger, hungrier and ready for another massive year wearing the Eagles jersey.

And there is absolutely no doubt about what we’ll be chasing.

Another Premiership.

Proud of you boys.

Up the Eagles.