The men’s side had a challenging 2025 in the Central Victorian League 2, winning four of 15 matches to finish fifth, only ahead of bottom-placed Deniliquin on the ladder.
The Border Raiders’ quest to improve on that showing this year begins with an away fixture against Castlemaine Gold.
Castlemaine is a new addition to league two in 2026, entering two sides, with the competition increasing from six to eight teams, also meaning teams will play a total of 18 matches.
Given the uneven number of matches the Border Raiders will play some sides three times, with those teams being both Castlemaines, Swan Hill and Deniliquin.
The club has been able to adapt to the increased load by achieving large numbers for its senior side this year.
Coach Adrian Richardson is encouraged by the state of his squad, expecting his side to compete around mid-table, potentially challenging near the top should the players gel quickly.
But given the inclusion of new teams to league two, with clubs such as Golden City and La Trobe University now having one team in each of the top two leagues, on top of the Border Raiders not playing any pre-season matches to gauge where they sit, there remains an uncertainty about the level of opposition they will be facing.
“We don't know Castlemaine, it’s been a long time since we've played Castlemaine, whether it's at home or away, I think it's been probably about seven years, eight years since we've played them,” Richardson said.
“Obviously, they've played in the division two, league two section for some time, so we're not sure on the calibre that we're going to be up against with any of the division two sides.
“We're division one, league two, but we don't know what's going to happen with the new ones that have come in.”
Adding to that uncertainty will be the team requiring a few weeks to build match fitness given the lack of competitive action leading in, though Richardson is clear on what he wants from his players, looking to implement a possession-based style of play.
“We want a passing game, so we want to be able to pass the ball, one-touch type passing, be able to dominate the midfield so we can actually continue to move forward,” Richardson said.
“We'll be looking at trying to play it to feet and just keep working the ball around instead of actually doing long bombs, that's not our game.
“Our game is to play it out of the back and then work it through, bring it back if need be, and then go forward.”
In terms of the squad that will attempt to execute that philosophy, Richardson believes his midfield has been strengthened in the off-season, while the defensive line-up is expected to be similar to last year.
In attack, the Border Raiders will be a little light, particularly with the departure of Eoin Kelly, one of last year’s top goal-scorers.
Richardson said he hoped to add some more reinforcements over the next couple of weeks, particularly with the side not currently fielding any foreigners, though it has brought in a couple of notable additions already.
Clayton Scott is a new arrival, having been in the United States completing a college degree, while Adam Richardson joins after spending some time in the United Kingdom.
That duo will have the opportunity to hit the ground running against Castlemaine Gold in round one, which will be the first of only six Sunday matches the Border Raiders will play this year, having featured in nine during 2025.
Additionally, all of their home matches are taking place on Saturday, a preference the players had having been asked by the club.
Another strange quirk in the 2026 draw will see Echuca Moama play five straight home games from rounds seven through 11, but then finish with five consecutive away games from rounds 14 to 18.
The Echuca Moama Border Raiders senior men’s side will open its 2026 campaign against Castlemaine Gold at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park on Sunday, with the action starting at 11am.
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