Sport / Football
Renegades ready to roar into a new era
With a new coach at the helm, the Brunswick Renegades are set to tackle their 10th season in the VAFA
Claire Butterly
AT the heart of Brunswick, where community spirit meets competitive drive, the Brunswick Renegades are preparing for an exciting new chapter in 2026.
Brunswick Football Club isn’t just about what happens on match day, it’s about belonging to something tangible and rewarding. Whether you’re lacing up your boots or volunteering behind the scenes, grassroots footy offers everyone a chance to be part of something special.
The Renegades are thrilled to welcome Amy Dillon as Senior Women’s Coach for the upcoming season. After serving as Assistant Coach last year, Dillon’s passion for the game and commitment to the club has only intensified.
“I’m driven by the opportunity to empower others and know I can foster an environment that brings out the best in people,” Dillon says.
Her appointment comes with a wealth of experience. Years of coaching netball teams and leadership in her professional life have shaped her coaching philosophy.
“Coaching has always felt like a natural extension of my passion to mentor and be a role model,” she reflects.
Dillon is already looking ahead, with a clear vision for strengthening pathways within the club.
“I’m really eager to strengthen our connection with the juniors, there’s so much talent coming through, and I believe Renos is the perfect environment for them to thrive.”
As the club celebrates Dillon’s appointment, they also farewell outgoing Senior Women’s Coach Sasha Dougherty, who has accepted an exciting new role with the Calder Cannons Youth Girls in the AFL Coates Talent League.
While the Renegades will miss Dougherty’s leadership, her progression showcases the possibilities that exist within grassroots football. It’s a reminder that involvement with Brunswick, whether as a player, coach, or volunteer can open doors and create genuine pathways for development, both on and off the field.
Brunswick Football Club represents a unique coming together of three distinct teams, the NOBs, the Dragons, and the Renegades all united under one banner in the heart of Brunny.
The story begins with North Old Boys AFC (NOBs), reformed in 1963 by past pupils of St Joseph’s CBC North Melbourne. After the original Brunswick Football Club disbanded in 1991, NOBs took over the tenancy of Gillon Oval and has been there ever since, competing in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
In 2008, the club expanded to include Brunswick Junior Football Club, the Dragons. After finding their feet, an under-10s team took the field for the first time in 2010, marking the occasion with a victory against Richmond. The boys called the Gryphon on their jumpers a Dragon, and a new nickname was born.
Then came 2014 a watershed moment. After hosting the Renegade Football League, a mixed-gender competition played between local pub teams at Gillon Oval, the club saw an opportunity. Many female players were keen to form a team to compete in the Victorian Women’s Football League, and the club embraced it wholeheartedly.
The Brunswick Renegades hit the ground running. They made finals in Division 5 in their debut season, played in the Division 4 Grand Final in 2015, and competed in Division 3 in the VWFL’s final year in 2016.
By the club’s 2017 AGM, with three thriving teams under its umbrella, North Old Boys officially changed its name to Brunswick Football Club.
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The Renegade journey since 2014 has been remarkable.
Last season, now also playing in the VAFA, the club celebrated what is believed to be a record-breaking milestone, a female player reaching her 300th game of football. It’s an achievement that speaks volumes about the club’s longevity and the commitment of its players.
More players are now reaching their 50 and 100-game milestones too, significant achievements when you consider where women’s football was just over a decade ago. These milestones aren’t just numbers; they’re testament to the strong culture and community that keeps players coming back season after season.
Today, the club offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking competitive footy or a social outlet, whether you’re an experienced player or completely new to the game. Brunswick prides itself on inclusivity and creating pathways from juniors through to senior footy.
And you don’t need to be a player to be part of the action. Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots football, and there are countless ways to contribute from helping on match day to supporting behind the scenes.
To find out more about joining the Dragons, Renegades,and NOBS as a player or volunteer visit the club’s website or follow them on their various socials.
Claire Butterly is a Brunswick Renegades player
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