BREAKING: Castlemaine has just secured elite midfielder Dylan Landt for the upcoming 2026 Bendigo Football Netball League season, marking a major coup for the club. This significant signing is expected to elevate the Magpies’ performance as they aim to break a senior finals drought that has lasted since 2005.
Landt, 25, brings a wealth of experience to Camp Reserve, having previously played in the VFL with Essendon and the SANFL with Glenelg. Notably, he also captained St Marys in the Northern Territory Football League, where he won the prestigious Nichols Medal as the league’s best player in both 2023 and 2024. His diverse football background adds to the excitement surrounding this signing.
Castlemaine coach Bailey Henderson revealed that Landt’s connection to the club dates back to their junior cricket days. “Darby Semmens and I actually played quite a lot of junior representative cricket with Dylan,” Henderson shared. “We got to know Dylan and his family quite well through the cricket side of things.”
Henderson praised Landt’s explosive playing style, saying, “He’s capable on the inside with the contested ball, while also providing great run and carry. He has that bit of X-factor about him.” This makes him an ideal fit for the Magpies’ needs heading into the new season.
Adding to the excitement, Landt is the second high-profile signing for Castlemaine this off-season, following the recruitment of forward Jake Bauer. Bauer has played 12 AFL games for the Tigers over the past three years but is currently recovering from a ruptured ACL. Henderson expressed optimism about Bauer’s recovery, stating, “He’s fairly optimistic that he will be able to start running reasonably soon.”
The Magpies are eager to bolster their squad following a disappointing 2025 season, which saw them achieve only three wins amidst numerous injuries. With key players like Zavier Murley, Matt Filo, and Riley Pedretti returning to the lineup, Castlemaine is looking to turn their fortunes around.
However, the club is also facing departures, including Ryan Eyre, the BFNL’s 2024 Rising Star, and his brother Josh Eyre, alongside Zac Greeves and Ronald Fejo. Henderson is still unsure about the future of former GWS Giants and Gold Coast defender Jake Stein, who is recovering from a significant quad injury.
As pre-season training is set to commence in mid-November, Henderson is keen to maximize the potential of local talent. “We’ve got to get a really good base of fitness before we get into game planning after Christmas,” he emphasized.
With the addition of Landt and Bauer, the Magpies are poised for a transformative season ahead. Fans are excited about the new chapter, and the club is determined to make a strong impact in 2026. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as Castlemaine gears up for what promises to be an exhilarating football season.
