By Angus Hayman

Gordon enjoyed a strong 2026 Shute Shield campaign, finishing third with 12 wins and five losses before producing an impressive finals victory over Sydney Uni at Chatswood Oval.

But the Highlanders couldn’t quite take the final step, falling to Warringah in the preliminary final. Returning head coach Dave Telfer believes his side made significant progress throughout the season but admits there is still work to be done if Gordon wants to challenge for premierships consistently.

Overview with Dave Telfer:

“It was obviously a year of transition coming back to Gordon. There was a bit of external noise throughout the start of it all, but in terms of us bringing the group together, we felt it was quite positive,” Telfer told Rugby News.

“Early on, we managed to get some good wins against Two Blues and Randwick, and then we definitely built into the season.

“As we were getting towards the finals series, we felt like we were in a pretty good spot.

“We managed to beat Sydney Uni at Chatswood Oval, which was a memorable day for everyone.

“Also, the Round 17 game against Warringah, which was the Big Freeze round for MND and obviously the memorial game for Tim Wedlock, who had passed away overseas that week.

“So it was quite an emotional time throughout.

“Heading into the finals, we were definitely confident in terms of where we were at.

“But to be completely honest, after that Uni game, we just got outplayed by Warringah in the preliminary final.

“It was disappointing to finish like that, but that’s footy.”

What is the focus at Gordon between now and round one next year?

“That’s the million-dollar question,” Telfer said.

“Once it all settled down a little bit, we did a deep dive into the season and have looked at a couple of areas of the club in detail.

“Once we put all that together, we’ll hopefully make some changes.

“I think the ultimate goal for us as a club is getting sustainable success.

“We don’t just want a sugar hit. We want to be able to really push to be winning premierships year in, year out.”

Which of your players do you think can crack on to the next level?

“I think one of our main ones is our flyhalf Harry Snook. I thought this year was his most consistent season, where he really locked down that first grade No.10 jersey.

“I definitely think he’s one that can push on, in my opinion.

“Another would be our tighthead prop, Samson Koneferenisi. He’s only 24 and played big minutes this year.

“He’s just explosive and has all the attributes.

“Then a young one would be Tyler Birnie, who’s only in his second year of rugby union.

“He was in the Waratahs system and made his first grade debut against West Harbour this year.

“We hold him in really high regard and he’s definitely one to keep an eye on.”

What are you expecting in 2027?

“I think, as some other coaches have said, it’s just getting more and more competitive. There are no easy games,” Telfer said.

“You look at it and realise it’s a pretty stressful competition, and I think that’s the way it’ll keep going.

“Everyone can beat each other on their day.

“I definitely think there’s no debating that Easts are the top side in the competition for a reason.

“They’ve made three grand finals and won two of them in the last three years.

“I think the competition will definitely be pushing them and trying to get to where they are as much as they can.”