After two strong years under Rhys Woodland, Picola United is looking back to its last premiership success as it hopes to build towards another senior flag through 2026 and beyond.
Woodland stepped away from the coach’s role due to personal commitments following the Blues’ first round finals exit at the hands of Tungamah.
The club has since announced Jon Varcoe, who led Picola to back-to-back premierships in 2016 and 2017, will return to the helm for the 2026 season.
“I’ve still got a good connection with people at the club,” Varcoe said.
“I think there’s a good opportunity there to go and work with the playing group and work towards something special.”
The club has finished the past two seasons in seventh-place, ousted by Tungamah in the first week of finals on both occasions, but at stages of the 2025 season, a top four finish looked well within reach for the Blues.
Varcoe said the current squad was set up for success, with a good mix of talent on the books.
“I’ve got a good group of young emerging players, some mid-tier players, and some experience, so (I’ve) got a good balance on the list,” he said.
“We need to consolidate that, and then we’ll work really hard to add some players to it that want to come in and be part of the journey.”
One of the players that won’t be continuing the journey with Picola is reigning senior best-and-fairest Cody Haub, who has signed with Echuca United for next season.
Haub had a team-best production of 50 goals last term, a contribution that Varcoe will need to replace either from within or with new signings.
“We wish Cody all the best, he’s given the club great service over the last four years, and we hope that he goes well,” Varcoe said.
“We’ve got a recruiting committee that’s got an extensive list of players, so we’re looking to bring players in to cover Cody and also improve our depth and quality.”
Aside from goalkicking, Varcoe said his side was looking to add to its midfield and key position depth in particular, although overall depth is also on the agenda to foster positive competition for places.
There’s still a long offseason ahead, but the new boss comes to the club with the goal of improving on recent finals appearances.
“It’ll depend on how we go with recruiting, but we’re definitely aiming for finals and we want to go up the ladder and go deep in finals,” Varcoe said.
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