Sport
9 April, 2026
Strong recruits and new coach to lead Lexton’s revival
After a challenging 2025 season that saw them win just four games, Lexton is preparing for a resurgence in 2026 with the appointment of experienced coach Paul Borchers and a strong crop of new recruits.
Borchers joins the Tigers after three years coaching Creswick in the Central Highlands Football League and brings with him a playing background from Carisbrook. Alongside his football experience, Borchers has a strong foundation in strength and conditioning as a personal trainer and over 12 years of teaching experience, including time as a PE coordinator.
Known for his passion for player development, Borchers says Lexton’s club culture was a major factor in his decision to join.
“I was finishing up with Creswick and decided to make a change. Coaching is still a passion, so I had a look around, and Lexton called. We had a chat, and things went from there,” he said.
“I think they were underperforming with the list they have. They’re a really good community club with a strong vibe, so I’m happy to be involved.
"I will implement a few things so we can play finals again, as last year was the first time they missed out for many years, having made a preliminary final in 2024.”
Borchers believes improving Lexton’s defensive structure will be key to the Tigers’ resurgence.
“The club expressed a desire for more structure and organisation in the way we play,” he said.
“They fell away competitively and weren’t able to restrict the opposition from scoring. I’m putting a structure in place to be more competitive and stay in games for longer.”
Joining Borchers are several talented recruits. From Creswick come Tynan Haintz, Jaxon Thomas, and Harry Ingwersen. Haintz is an experienced backman, Thomas is a crafty forward who can also play midfield, and Ingwersen is a developing forward/ruck.
Returning to Lexton is experienced midfielder Tom Cullinan, who played in Skipton’s senior premiership last year.
From the Ballarat Football Netball League, Brandon Green arrives from Redan. A proven goalkicker, Green’s versatility and work rate will strengthen the Tigers’ forward line.
Joining him from the same league is Luke Madden, a versatile half-forward/back from Ballarat.
Learmonth contributes a strong contingent with Eric Wilkinson, Henry Marshman, Jack Skinner, Billy Briody, and Ethan Prenc.
Wilkinson, Marshman, Briody and Skinner were part of Learmonth’s under-18 premiership in 2025, with Marshman kicking three goals in the grand final.
Wilkinson is a versatile forward who can play in defence, Briody returns to fill roles at halfback and wing, Skinner is a developing tough forward/midfielder, and Prenc brings speed, composure, and drive off halfback and can also play in the midfield.
Rory Wakefield joins from Waubra to bolster the Tigers’ ruck stocks, while Justin Kennedy (SMW Rovers), Mathew Doherty, and returning player Hunter Greene add further depth.
Borchers is equally excited about the club’s current crop of players, particularly Jaykeb Lynch and Aiden Broughton.
“After chatting with me, Jaykeb will thrive under the structure changes, which will make things easier for him. I’m keen to see him reinvent himself,” Borchers said.
“Aiden played midfield last year after spending most of his time off the halfback line. I can see him taking his footy to the next level.”
With an experienced coach, strong recruits, and existing talent ready to step up, the future is exciting for Lexton.
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