After making three consecutive Preliminary Finals, newly appointed VFL Coach, Scott Borlace said the team was looking to go one better in 2026.
“It is an exciting opportunity to coach the VFL boys, we are keen to build on the team success we have had at VFL level for a number of years,” Borlace said.
"My role doesn’t change; the focus remains on developing and preparing our players for AFL.
“We’ve got a great group of blokes as part of this group from those within our AFL system, Academy and VFL program who are wanting to join in on the Clubs success over the last few seasons.”
Kyle Dunkley returns after a year with Coorparoo in the QAFL and Dylan Smith joins the Club from the victorious QAFL Redland-Victoria Point side.
Two current Youi Brisbane Lions Academy members in Isaac Waller and Harrison Bridge have been promoted to the VFL list, following good form in the 2025 Coates Talent League.
In other additions, four Youi Brisbane Lions Academy graduates, Hunter Moore, Alex Pope, Charlie Hewitt and Bailey Hahn join the list, Lions Development coach, Liam Jones has signed on for 2026 along with South Australian, Will Shepherd.
Tahj Abberley, Curtis McCarthy, Harry Arnold, Brad McDonald, Charlie Offermans, James Creighton, Fergus McFadyen, Wyatt Greenaway and Jake Fazldeen all return from the 2025 squad.
2026 VFL Recruits
Dylan Smith
Smith was selected for the 2025 QLD team after playing 22 games for Redlands-Victoria Point, booting 31 goals. Played NEAFL for the Swans in 2018 and Aspley in 2019, playing predominately as a midfielder with the ability to hit the scoreboard.
Kyle Dunkley
Dunkley, a hard-nosed contested inside midfielder, was part of the Lions VFL program in 2023 and 2024. Dunkley played Five AFL games with Melbourne between 2019 and 2020.
Hunter Moore
Youi Lions Academy 2023 and 2024, the 191cm defender was selected for the QLD State team in 2025.
Alex Pope
Youi Lions Academy from 2023 to 2025. A classy outside mid-forward standing at 182cm, with good footwork and agility.
Charlie Hewitt
Youi Lions Academy member in 2025, the 198cm key forward who can ruck has a strong work ethic.
Bailey Hahn
Youi Lions Academy graduate who played for QLD in the state game 2025, is also Academy head coach (Men’s), Mitch Hahn’s nephew.
Will Shepherd
Plays forward, booting 30 goals in 16 games across 2025 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League season. Selected for Murray Southeast side in 2025 South Australian Country Football Championship.
