St John's Old Collegians' first season in the Southern Football Netball League was a memorable one, with the Saints making an immediate impact in Division 4 and ultimately earning a place in the senior men's grand final.
After 34 years in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, the JOCS entered a new era in 2026. What followed was a season that demonstrated the club's ability to adapt quickly, compete with the division's best and emerge as a genuine premiership contender.
The Saints wasted little time showing they belonged in Division 4. Their early-season performances established them as one of the competition's leading sides, and its unbeaten start put the Saints firmly in the premiership conversation and created an expectation that they could contend for the Division 4 flag in their debut SFNL season.
The Saints' season reached its climax against Dandenong West in the Division 4 grand final, but their premiership dream ended in an 11-point defeat.
Ultimately, St John's Old Collegians can look back on 2026 with considerable pride. Reaching a senior grand final in their inaugural SFNL season was a significant achievement. Although the premiership eluded them, the campaign provided valuable experience, exposed areas for improvement and established a strong platform for future seasons.
Best win - 2nd Semi Final - St Johns OC 9.6.60 def Dandenong West 8.11.59
Key players
Ben Robson - 24.6 disposals, 12.2 contested possessions, 9 tackles
Josh Mourant - 9.6 score involvements, 40 goals
Mitch Barry - 21.5 disposls, 10 marks, 12 intercept possessions
