Michael Barlow will don the Shepparton United strip again in 2026.
Reel in the line, another big fish has taken a bite on Shepparton United’s rod.
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The Demons’ mass signing wave has continued into the new year and, this time, it is club legend Michael Barlow making a return to the Goulburn Valley League’s red and blue side.
The current North Melbourne midfield coach and 141-game AFL player has departed North Warrnambool after winning a flag at the club in 2025, returning to a bolstered Demons list for 2026.
Shepparton United president Kevin Hicks said it was Barlow that made first contact about rejoining the Skene St end of Deakin Reserve and, despite his coaching promotion at Arden St, the 38-year-old was still keen to commit to the club when availability arises.
“He reached out to us via Peter Ralph, someone he spent a lot of time with during his playing days,” Hicks said.
“He said he would be interested and that was a while ago, before he obviously got his new role at North Melbourne.
“He originally was committed to playing 10 games, but now he’ll definitely play three, but could be more subject to availability.”
A theme to Shepparton United’s recruiting drive this off-season has been the influx of experienced heads and Barlow’s resume may be the cherry on top to a growing senior list.
“He’s an elite player, but he will assist the leaders with good coaching tuition as well,” Hicks said.
Michael Barlow’s appearances will come subject to availability following his promotion to North Melbourne midfield coach.
“It’s pretty hard to measure the value, it’s priceless.
“All our recruits this year have had strong connections to the club previously, but are coming back with a lot more experience and improved ability.
“They are all sorts of leaders in their field.”
Hicks expects the leaders to be on show when the Demons embark down the Great Ocean Road for a pre-season training camp at Torquay next week, allowing time for the recruits to gel with the previous playing cohort.
The coastal camp will kick-start the chemistry of a new-look Shepparton United, with the Demons’ extra depth expected to be the difference-maker in 2026.
“What I’m grateful for is that the boys that have been there the last four-odd years that have done it hard might get the benefit and reward now,” Hicks said.
“We’ve had lots of kids get opportunities prior to readiness and we needed a stronger 18 to put pressure on the senior 18.
“Now we can have a solid 30 players fighting for a spot in the best 20, instead of 20 assuming their spot.
“A bit of depth goes a long way.”
Barlow’s first match back in his home town colours could be in round three against Shepparton Swans, with North Melbourne slated for a home Sunday fixture that weekend.
A Kangaroos bye on the weekend of May 30 opens up availability for Barlow in round eight against reigning premier Kyabram, but given the AFL’s rolling fixture from late-June, any other potential chances of seeing the former Docker and Sun remain unknown for now.
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