Done deal: 230+ recruits for the 2025 VFL season
It was a busy start to recruiting for VFL clubs as they set out to bolster their squads for the 2025 season. A few months on, here are more than 230 confirmed signings, from ex-AFL players to local hopefuls.
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Former AFL players, Coates Talent League graduates, interstate hopefuls, and country and suburban aspirants are among the first 150 confirmed VFL recruits for 2025.
Here they are, in alphabetical order.
Omar Abou-Eid, Footscray Bulldogs
Abou-Eid was a 19-year-old player with the Calder Cannons in 2024, with a growth spurt turning him from a midfielder into a 200cm ruckman with a willingness to take the game on.
Domanic Akuei, Essendon
Akuei, 22, brings 51 games of VFL experience to the Bombers, having been with Carlton for three years as a Category B rookie, the first player from its NGA to make the senior list. The 194cm defender averaged 9.3 disposals and 3.5 marks for the VFL Blues last season.
Sam Allen, Werribee
The key defender from Park Orchards was on Port Melbourne’s list in 2024, managing two senior games. The Bees think he’s a good option for a backline that can no longer call on Nathan Cooper and Nick Coughlan
Matthew Allison, Coburg
The son of the Burgers’ two-time premiership player and team-of-the-century member Brian has linked with the Lions after four years on St Kilda’s AFL list. Injuries frustrated his attempts to break through for an AFL debut but the tall utility should be quick to set down his influence at the City Oval next year. “He’s a tall forward, a great runner, a high-potential player, and our focus is on giving him an environment he can thrive in and enjoy and potentially get back into the AFL system,’’ Coburg GM Nick Byrne says.
Deng Andrew, Northern Bullants
The brother of star Gold Sun Mac Andrew earned a contract after a diligent pre-season at Cramer St. The utility played 13 senior games for Berwick last year in the Eastern league.
Jack Andrew, Coburg
Andrew, a 183cm forward, was the first of a bunch of trial players to be awarded a Coburg contract. He kicked 29 goals in 13 games last year for Heidelberg, where he was an Under 19 best and fairest.
Yuyu Ashwin, Northern Bullants
With speed his strong suit, the former Collingwood Next Generation Academy and Oakleigh Charger is out to become a senior regular with the Ants after flitting in and out of the Magpies’ VFL team for two seasons.
Kobe Askew, Frankston
The Oakleigh Chargers graduate is a slippery small forward who kicked 16 goals and averaged 13.1 disposals from 18 matches in the Coates Talent League in 2024. Askew is attached to Eastern league power Vermont.
Riley Baldi, Casey Demons
Baldi is back in the VFL after a superb season with Moe in which he won the Gippsland league medal, his club best and fairest and was named in the team of the year for the second successive season. In his list of this year’s best 50 country footballers, astute Weekly Times writer David Johnston slotted the onballer at No. 5, noting he had “began strongly and maintained a high output right to the end’’. Leongatha coach Trent McMicking thought him in the No. 1 player in Gippsland. Baldi was a prominent Gippsland Power player in 2019, representing Vic Country at the Under 18 championships and attending the AFL state combine.
Jack Baldwin, Box Hill Hawks
The Mitcham junior has earned a contract a few miles down Whitehorse Rd after playing 16 games for the Eastern Ranges as a dependable defender.
Kaine Baldwin, Port Melbourne
Baldwin was touted as an early recruit for the Borough after he was delisted by Essendon but he was invited back to the Bombers to train for an SSP rookie-listing. When the Dons looked elsewhere, he headed to North Port as a key defensive pillar. Baldwin played eight AFL games after being picked up in the 2021 SSP window.
Dominic Bedendo, Port Melbourne
The classy Bedendo took a lot of calls after his delisting from the Bulldogs and also took his time in sorting through them, finally signing at Port. In four years with the Dogs he had two AFL games but his admirers think he’s capable of more. Maybe he can come again via the Borough.
Josh Bennetts, Collingwood
After being part of Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy, Bennetts joined the club as a Category B rookie in 2022 and played 33 VFL games with Box Hill Hawks.
Trent Bianco, Box Hill Hawks
The former AFL Magpie won a VFL representative jumper and played 18 matches for Footscray in 2024, but he’s gone from west to east. Bianco averaged 18.8 possessions as a Bulldog, playing well in the early exchanges of the season as he aimed for the mid-season draft.
Hugo Birks, GWS
As a VFL-listed Sydney player, Birks booted 53 goals from 17 games for UTS in AFL Sydney last year. He’d made the move to the Swans from Gippsland club Drouin, where he topped the goalkicking with 44 majors in 2023.
Tom Blamires, Frankston
Blamires showed persistence and pluck to make the grade in the VFL. He did not get on Sandringham’s list in 2022, but stuck around as a train-on, made the cut 12 months later and shared the best first-year player award in 2023. This year he improved further to average 15.8 disposals from 17 matches. Now he’s heading to the Dolphins with fellow Zebra Darby Hipwell.
Charlie Bolmat, Northern Bullants
Bolmat, a defender, was a regular with the Calder Cannons in 2023 and made Essendon’s list this year, but did not manage a VFL game; he’s looking for a belated debut with the Bullants. Locally, he was part of Leigh Tudor’s grand final team at Pascoe Vale.
Lachlan Bond, Port Melbourne
Bond has turned to a standalone club after appearances for the Carlton (2021) and Geelong (2022, 2024) VFL teams. He played locally last year at Redan.
Riley Bonner, Casey Demons
What a boost for the Casey backline. Bonner played 19 AFL games for St Kilda in 2024, taking his tally to 112 in a career that began at Port Adelaide in 2016. “His exceptional kicking ability and football IQ will be invaluable in providing drive off the backline,’’ the Demons said after signing Bonner, who will take up a role in Melbourne’s NGA.
Noah Bradshaw, GWS
Bradshaw was one of the six players the Giants unveiled to kick off their Albury hub, which is intended to “provide pathways for talented players in the region to train, develop, and potentially play for the GIANTS’ VFL side’’. Bradshaw is the son of former Lion and Swan Daniel Bradshaw and was Wodonga Bulldogs’ most consistent player in 2024. He also had a stint at Collingwood in 2022 while dominating in the midfield for Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League.
Cody Bramble, Footscray Bulldogs
The pacy Bramble is the brother of AFL Western Bulldog Lachie, and had a run with Calder Cannons in 2021 and was on Box Hill Hawks’ list in 2023. He’s spent the past three seasons as a prominent player with Sunbury Lions.
Lachie Bryce, Casey Demons
The 191cm Bryce, from Mornington Peninsula power Frankston YCW, has made the switch from Box Hill Hawks, where he debuted 2023. Injuries kept him to eight local matches last year.
Josh Browne, Collingwood
A Seagull becomes a Magpie. Wingman Browne joined Williamstown as a key signing last year after transferring from West Coast Eagles in the WAFL, where he ran third in the best and fairest in 2023.
Jordan Busuttil, Essendon
The onballer is coming off successive best and fairests for Williamstown CYMS in the VAFA, where last year he won 13 mentions in the best. In one game late in the season he had 36 disposals, 24 contested possessions and 20 clearances, to go with 12 inside 50s.
Jack Bytel, Coburg
In performance and perception, a game-changer for Coburg? For the past few seasons the historic Lions – one of the VFL’s six stand-alone Victorian clubs – have spoken about being “competitive’’ in the state league. Now, after signing former Saint and Magpie Bytel fresh from the AFL, they can amplify their ambitions and set an eye on the finals. Coming off Collingwood’s list, Bytel, 24, was courted by fellow stand-alone Port Melbourne. When it became clear he had a choice between the Burgers and the Borough, it was widely thought Bytel would settle for Port. But, in what one VFL commentator called a win for the “little guys’’, he chose Coburg, where he knows a number of players through his under-age football. Bytel lives in the northern suburbs and was drafted from the Calder Cannons in 2018. Held up by a back injury in his first year, he went on to play 22 games with the Saints. Delisted at the end of 2023, Bytel gained a second chance when Collingwood claimed him in the pre-season supplemental selection period. He had seven AFL matches for the Pies before being let go. At VFL level he averaged 27.2 disposals from 11 games.
Jonah Campigli, Sandringham
The Old Brighton youngster was the VAFA’s 2024 Rising Star after a season in which he kicked 33 goals from nine matches for the Under 19s, then 16 from 12 for the seniors. The Zebras got in ahead of Richmond for a player one VFL coach believes is “draftable’’.
Jack Cheep, Sandringham
Described by the Zebras a versatile key defender/forward, Cheep played senior amateur football at Parkdale Vultures last year as well as for Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League. He’s among a package of Dragons brought to the Trevor Barker Beach Oval by new Sandy CEO Mark Wheeler.
Matthew Clarkson, North Melbourne
The small defender joins his father, Roos senior coach Alastair, at Arden St after two years with Richmond VFL. Clarkson played in the Sandy Dragons’ 2022 Talent League premiership.
Max Clohesy, Richmond
Clohesy, a powerful half-back and midfielder with a penetrating left-foot kick, returns to Punt Rd after a year away from the VFL. He was judged the Shepparton Swans’ best Under 21 player last year and represented the Goulburn Valley league against the Ovens and Murray.
Shane Clough, Essendon
Clough knows his way around Bomberland, having been in the club’s James Hird Academy program. The 19-year-old midfielder suffered an ACL injury in 2019 when on the Calder Cannons’ list and returned to football last season with Gisborne in the Bendigo league. “He’s fit, tough, skilful, a good decision maker, and it’s great to see another EFC NGA product signed with our VFL,’’ recruiting officer Darren Farrugia said.
Liam Coghlan, Northern Bullants
Defender Coghlan appeals as one of the Bullants’ best signings after earlier VFL experience at Box Hill Hawks (17 games) and Port Melbourne (nine). He’s the son of Sandringham team-of-the-century full-back Adam Coghlan.
Adrian Cole, North Melbourne
Cole was part of St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy but the Saints passed on the 194cm defender at the draft despite him figuring in the Sandringham Dragons’ 2024 premiership and playing for Vic Metro. Dragons coach Rob Harding said his graduating player was ready to play in the VFL. “That’s his next step, to play against men,’’ he said. “He’s beaten every key forward he’s come up against in the Coates League. His development over the past two years has been enormous. He’s an incredible physical athlete – he’s got great size, speed and reach – and he’s very strong. He can compete with all types of key forwards and even play on small forwards, given his close-out speed. The area he’s going to continue to grow in is offensive output, on the other side of it. But at the rate of growth he’s shown, I think he’s going to end up an AFL-level defender.’’
Riely Collins, Footscray Bulldogs
The former Western Bulldogs NGA member is an inside midfielder who last year split time his time between his local club, Redan, and the Sandringham Dragons as he attended Caulfield Grammar.
Mace Cousins, Werribee
Defender Cousins was Geelong VFL’s best first-year player in 2023, when he had a dozen games. He also figured in Darley’s Ballarat league flag. But the former Western Jet played no football last year because of a back injury. “From what I’ve seen he’s courageous in the air and he uses the ball well, a left-footer at halfback,’’ Bees coach Jimmy Allan said. “It might take him a bit of time to get back in the swing of things. But I think he’s going to be a good player.’’
Jesse Craven, Casey Demons
Craven, from Tooradin-Dalmore, won Gippsland Power’s best and fairest last season as a 19-year-old player and also made his VFL debut for the Demons. “He was the first bloke picked in our side last year. Heart and soul, competitive, tough, does everything right,’’ Power talent manager Scotty McDougal told CODE Sports.
Josh Cresswell, Southport
The 18-year-old, the son of former top Sydney Swan Daryn Cresswell, figured in a senior flag this year with the South Cairns Cutters and also had a stint with the Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League. Cresswell was also part of the GWS Academy program when he lived in regional NSW.
David Cuningham, Footscray Bulldogs
An experienced signing for the ‘Scray in the ex-Blue, who was linked with Sydney after his delisting. Tailed by injury, the 27-year-old made 58 appearances for Carlton, including five last year.
Jayden Davey, Port Melbourne
The Essendon-to-Port Melbourne link continued when Davey joined the Borough as a late signing. The son of former Bomber Alwyn was a father-son signing for Essendon in 2022, suffered an ACL injury but returned to play a whole season in the VFL last year, kicking 17 goals.
Ben De Bolfo, Collingwood
Defender De Bolfo missed all of 2023 after suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season but returned to the Box Hill Hawks senior team last year, getting in eight games. He also played in Heidelberg’s senior premiership team. De Bolfo had started his VFL career with the Northern Bullants in 2022.
Kye Declase, Box Hill Hawks
One of the VFL’s best wingmen will pick up his career at Box Hill Hawks. Declase played for the VFL representative team against the SANFL in April but abruptly left Werribee after Round 10, seeing out the season with Hurstbridge in the Northern league.
Kade De La Rue, Frankston
The Dandenong Stingrays graduate has joined the Dolphins after one season and five matches at North Melbourne VFL.
Anthony Depasquale, Werribee
Depasquale, 21, is reaching for another level with his football after a bumper 73-goal season for Kyabram in the strong Goulburn Valley league. He was part of the Bendigo Pioneers program in 2021, playing eight matches in the Coates Talent League.
Jordan Doherty, Frankston
Doherty, a product of Sorrento, gives Frankston’s ruck and forward stocks a lift after coming out of the Dandenong Stingrays as a 19-year-old player. He was called up to play one match for Vic Country at last year’s national Under 18 titles.
Max Donohue, Box Hill Hawks
The Hawks added to their Gippsland connection by signing Power graduate Donohue, who was runner-up in the best and fairest last season, averaging 19 disposals and 4.8 marks a game. He emerged from the juniors at Poowong-Loch, as top Hawk Jai Newcombe did a few years earlier.
Chance Doultree, Casey Demons
Doultree, 22, was on the Footscray Bulldogs VFL list this year and figured in Traralgon’s Gippsland league premiership. He previously spent time with Norwood in the SANFL.
Felix Dreher, Port Melbourne
The Borough nabbed Dreher from the Bullants, who introduced him to their team late in the 2024 season, for impressive results – the West Preston-Lakeside product averaged 24.5 disposals from six matches. The Ants saw a good future for him, but it will be at North Port Oval, not Cramer St.
Sam Durdin, Box Hill Hawks
Durdin is one of the more seasoned signings for 2025, with the 28-year-old heading to the City Oval more than a decade after being a first-round pick for North Melbourne in the 2014 national draft. He’d been with Carlton since getting a mid-season draft call-up in 2022.
Corey Ellison, Frankston
The Dolphins were after a key forward and in Ellison they landed one of the league’s best. The 24-year-old was looking to play closer to home; he lives in the south-east and had tired of the travel to Williamstown. He booted 38.24 for Willy this year and was runner-up in the best and fairest. Ellison had been part of Casey’s premiership team in 2022.
Ryan Eyers, Werribee
Eyers is another Ovens and Murray recruit for the Bees. The versatile tall won the best and fairest this year with Corowa-Rutherglen, being named in the best in 13 of his 16 matches. The former Murray Bushranger also played two games for Geelong VFL, where he’s been on the list for two years.
Ryan Eyre, Collingwood
The tall defender stepped out in the VFL for Essendon, playing two matches as a 19-year-old attached to the Calder Cannons. He also had two Young Guns games and gained senior experience at Castlemaine under former AFL defender Michael Hartley.
Patrick Farrant, Port Melbourne
The 189cm forward arrives at the Borough after having six VFL games with Collingwood in 2024. He also played 11 matches for Fitzroy Stars in the Northern league, booting 59 goals, including two bags of eight in finals. Farrant, 25, had kicked the ton in WA local football in 2023, racking up 107 goals for Bridgetown in the Lower South West league.
Tom Farrer, Box Hill Hawks
Farrer, an onballer and forward, captained the Scotch College APS team last year. He has listed Old Scotch as his local club.
Sam Flockart, Richmond
As promising Port Melbourne big man Felix Flockart leaves the VFL, his brother Sam joins it, snapped up by the Tigers after a sparkling 2024 season with Old Brighton in the VAFA. He played as an undersized ruckman with the Tonners, showing endurance and athleticism for a grand final team.
Harry Flynn, Northern Bullants
Flynn joined the VFL Magpies in 2023 as a 19-year-old player attached to the Eastern Ranges, where he had suffered an ACL. This year he played four games with the Maggies but was prominent for his local club, North Ringwood. The Ants like his attitude and his potential to play a few roles next season.
Joe Furphy, Coburg
The new year brought a new ruckman for the Lions, the 202cm Furphy, who was a Category B rookie with Geelong in 2024. “With his height, athleticism, and ability to compete in the air and around the ground, Joe will be a huge asset to our midfield and give us a strong presence at stoppages,’’ the Burgers said.
Clayton Gay, Frankston
The former Dandenong Stingray was one of the best players on the Mornington Peninsula in 2024, kicking 48 goals for Dromana and having his name passed on to Dolphins coach Jackson Kornberg. The left-footer is more than capable of making a position his own in an improving Frankston team.
Archie Gardiner, Werribee
Gardiner joins with the Bees with glowing notices from his North Albury coach, ex-Magpie Tim Broomhead, who told CODE Sports his charge was the best wingman in the Ovens and Murray league. From 21 matches, Gardiner snaffled 10 mentions in the best players and was selected in the representative team. “He’s certainly got some talent and a bright future,’’ Broomhead said. “He’s made of the right stuff, he’s got a great attitude and he deserves a crack at it down there. He’s lightning, he’s rapid, really quick, and his pressure is the best that I’ve played with out of anyone.’’
Jenson Garnham, Casey Demons
Jenson Garnham has been a prominent goalkicker for Leongatha in the past two seasons, kicking 53 goals and being named at full-forward in the Gippsland league team of the year in 2024 and slotting 52 goals in the premiership year of 2023. He had played with Gippsland Power in 2022. Leongatha coach Trent McMicking said Garnham was an exciting prospect. “I’m not sure where the limit is for him. I don’t know how good he can be,’’ he said. “He attacks the footy hard, he’s a really good mark and he’s a neat kick for goal. He has a basketball background and he didn’t really play much footy until he was 16, 17. He’s super-raw but he’s got plenty of ability.’’
Hayden Gill, Werribee
After 10 games in two years at Carlton, Gill is looking to take another step forward with his football at Werribee. At local level he has been a good performer for Wallan in the Riddell and District league.
Jordyn Gillard, Coburg
The 180cm forward joins his brother Braedyn at the City Oval, graduating from the Northern Knights, where he played 14 matches in the Coates Talent League last year. He also turned out for Montmorency in its Northern league grand final, being named in the best players.
Brody Glenn, Northern Bullants
A forward, Glenn gets his chance at VFL level after splashing out with 46 goals from 21 matches for Greensborough in the Northern league last year as a second-season senior player.
Lachlan Gollant, Williamstown
The Towners were looking for a player to replace the Frankston-bound Corey Ellison and they found him in Gollant, who has returned to Melbourne after five seasons and 16 AFL matches with Adelaide. He kicked 44 goals for the Crows’ SANFL side in 2023 and 28 last season, on both occasions topping the goalkicking.
Josh Gore, Southport
Gore is back at a club for whom he played Colts in 2017-18. The 23-year-old former Surfers Paradise Junior has spent the past four seasons with West Adelaide in the SANFL.
Tom Graham, Port Melbourne
The son of former leading Hawthorn defender Mark Graham is a 195cm backman who has spent the past three years with Norwood in the SANFL, establishing himself with 16 senior games last season.
Sam Grant, Port Melbourne
The talented tall was part of Old Scotch’s 2024 VAFA Premier flag and also had eight games for Coburg. He was on Carlton’s list in 2023, playing one match.
Oliver Green, Casey Demons
Small forward and midfielder Green, from VAFA club Parkdale Vultures, forced his way into the Sandringham Dragons team for last year’s Coates Talent League finals and was part of the grand final side that pasted Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
Sam Green, Northern Bullants
The former Tasmanian was at Port Melbourne last season, playing two early games and then going back to Bundoora, where he was consistently named in the best players. His height and flexibility will be handy for the Ants.
Riley Greene, Northern Bullants
Next season brings fresh playing fields for Greene, who has been on Brisbane Lions’ VFL list for three years and will stiffen the Ants’ backline.
Zac Greeves, Sandringham
From Rowville’s under-age teams, Greeves went through the Eastern Ranges and was on Collingwood’s VFL list in 2023, playing one game for the Pies. Last year he played at Castlemaine under former AFL defender Michael Hartley.
Jackson Grundy, Werribee
The 23-year-old midfielder is reaching for the next level after a fine 2024 season for North Warrnambool in the Hampden league: he was in the team of the year and runner-up in the best and fairest for a team that made the grand final.
Hugo Hall-Kahan, Williamstown
Half-forward Hall-Kahan has become a Towner after one season as a Zebra. He had spent 18 months with the Sydney Swans after being taken in the 2022 mid-season rookie draft.
Will Hamill, Frankston
Hamill’s decision to join the Dolphins put a crown on a purple recruiting period for the stand-alone club. He is the son of former Frankston captain and best and fairest Steve Hamill, and comes to Kars St after six seasons and 45 games with Adelaide.
Cooper Hamilton, Carlton
The Blues took their time in announcing Hamilton’s arrival but he was their first key signing in what has been a profitable off-season for them. Hamilton spent three years on the GWS list, playing eight AFL games as a hard-tackling defender. “Cooper has gone to work incredibly hard to get his body right leading into 2025, and we’re really excited about what he can do for us,’’ Carlton coach Luke Power said. “We know how crucial tackle pressure and contest are for us as a team, and that’s what he’s all about.’’
Angus Hanrahan, Sydney
The former Port Melbourne-lister will relocate to Sydney to try his luck as a state league Swan. Last year he played under former Werribee VFA John Lamont, having 20 games and kicking 17 goals for Mooroopna in the Goulburn Valley league.
Mitch Hardie, Casey Demons
Former South Australian Hardie, 27, is a superb addition to the Demons. His efforts for Geelong’s VFL team last season were exemplary, winning the best and fairest after averaging 29 disposals per game (he had 20 or more in all 19 of his matches). Unsurprisingly, he was a VFL team-of-the-year pick.
Zac Harding, Carlton
Harding, a ruckman, was a boarder at Ivanhoe Grammar last year and did some training with the Blues as he split his season between the Murray Bushrangers and Wodonga Bulldogs.
Ned Hawkins, Port Melbourne
Hawkins, 19 and 187cm, has headed to Melbourne after coming out of the Sydney Swans Academy, where he played in the VFL and the Coates Talent League.
Dyson Heppell, Port Melbourne
It’s a been a while since a player of Heppell’s heft has linked with a VFL club. The former Essendon captain and best and fairest signed a two-year deal with the Borough as a playing assistant coach, bringing the experience of 253 AFL games to North Port Oval. Heppell will also serve as the club’s “community ambassador’’.
Darby Hipwell, Frankston
The midfielder has linked with the Dolphins after a consistent season for Sandringham in which he averaged 18.9 possessions, including a 33-disposal outing against Richmond in Round 20. Hipwell won the Zebras’ best and fairest in 2023.
Tom Hitchens, Sydney
From Sydney University, Hitchens, a 189cm forward, turned out for the Swans’ Academy side in the Coates Talent League last year, as well as Sydney Uni seniors and Under 19s.
Lachlan Hogan, Essendon
Hogan, a small defender who calls Moama home, played two games for the Allies at last year’s Under 18 national carnival and was a dependable player for Bendigo Pioneers in the Talent League.
Damon Hollow, Williamstown
Another Hollow to follow at the Towners. Two decades after Brad Hollow was at Willy, his son Damon has joined the club, having been one of the most accomplished players overlooked in the 2024 draft. He captained Calder Cannons, won their best and fairest and represented Vic Metro at the national Under 18 championships. “He’s a very dynamic, courageous, hard-working player who will provide flexibility to any squad – he can play forward, mid and back,’’ Cannons talent manager Sebastian Spagnuolo said. “He was an outstanding leader for us. He’s of great character, an ultimate professional and he’s a coach’s dream. “The people of Williamstown have got themselves a beauty. They’ll fall in love with him pretty quickly.’’
Nick Hodgson, Coburg
The 176cm midfielder and forward, described by the Burgers as an “elite runner with outstanding contest work and relentless pressure’’, will wear the Coburg jumper in his fourth season in the VFL. He called Sandringham home in 2022 and spent 2023 and ‘24 with North Melbourne.
Olli Hotton, North Melbourne
North Melbourne coach Tommy Lynch has been furiously working the phones in the off-season and delisted Saint Hotton was among his first signings. Hotton averaged 16.9 disposals from 15 matches for Sandringham this year, slotting five goals against Casey.
Liam Hude, Collingwood
Hude played 10 games for Brisbane’s VFL team last year, including three finals, and starred at QAFL level for Sherwood Districts, booting goals from 14 games. He was a Queensland Under 16 representative and also an Allies selection for the 2022 Under 18 national championships.
Zac Hudson, Northern Bullants
From Macleod in the Northern league, Hudson was a leading performer in the Northern league, finishing second in his club’s best and fairest, and gives the Ants’ ruck stocks a top-up.
Liam Hunt, Footscray Bulldogs
A notable recruit for the Bulldogs, with Hunt returning to the VFL at age 26. The onballer won a best and fairest and VFL team-of-the-year honours at Coburg before joining Williamstown in 2019. He left the Towners after the 2022 season and has since been a leading player with North Heidelberg. Hunt’s cousin Ethan plays with Footscray and the Hunts are also cousins with Western Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli.
Josh Hutchings, Sandringham
Hutchings was judged Caulfield Grammarians’ Rising Star in the VAFA last year. “His work ethic is exceptional, for a tall forward he’s one of the best and more accurate kicks for goal that I’ve seen, and he’s got good hands,’’ former Caulfield Grammarians coach Guy “Bluey’’ McKenna said of Hutchings.
Patrick Ireland, Casey Demons
Graduating from Gippsland Power, Ireland booted 111 goals from 20 matches this year for Buln Buln in the Ellinbank and District league, including six in the grand final. There were also bags of 14, 13 and 12. “He’s got all the attributes you like in a forward,’’ outgoing Buln Buln coach Bobby McAllum said. “He’s very mobile and he takes a really good mark but what sets him apart from a lot of forwards is that he’s a really good set-shot.’’
Nathan Jensen, Williamstown
Another ruckman for Willy, with 200cm Queenslander Jensen to develop behind Tom Downie. He came through the Brisbane Lions Academy, playing at Maroochydore Colts and senior team in the past two years.
Griff Julian, Box Hill Hawks
Julian has relocated from WA to Melbourne for university and linked with the Hawks. The defender/midfielder represented his state at the national Under 18 championships in 2021-22 and was with West Perth in 2023-24.
Xavier Kardachi, Footscray Bulldogs
The Bulldogs were pleased to land midfielder Kardachi, who, after failing to play a game for the Western Jets in 2023, rose to win their best and fairest last year. He also had a top-10 finish in the Morrish Medal and was part of Sunshine’s senior premiership side.
Ben Kennedy, Williamstown
The 189cm defender from Yarrawonga and the Murray Bushrangers played for the Allies in all four matches at last year’s national Under 18 championships. His best performance came against Victoria Country, where he was named among the Allies best. “He’s a medium-sized defender, kicks it well, reads the ball in flight and is really competitive. He’s one to look at it,’’ Towners coach Justin Plapp said.
Liam Kershaw, Werribee
The 194cm wingman is among a package of Geelong Falcons graduates to link with the Bees. He averaged 17 disposals and six marks per game in the Talent League last year, being called up for a Young Guns outing. Kershaw also made his VFL debut for Geelong. His father, Matt, was an assistant coach to John Lamont and Mark Williams at Werribee.
Jack Kluske, Sydney
The 25-year-old midfielder has spent the past two seasons with Mypolonga in the River Murray league and represented South Australian Country last year.
Mitch Kirkwood-Scott, Casey Demons
The sweet-kicking defender was part of the 2024 Sandringham Dragons premiership team, having 21 possessions and 10 marks in the grand final. The former Haileybury College captain averaged 16.8 disposals from 13 Talent League appearances.
Nathan Kreuger, Geelong
The key forward has gone back to the club where he played two AFL games in 2021. He switched to Collingwood but continued to strike injury problems and was restricted to 13 games in three seasons. The Cats beat Williamstown to his signature. “We have seen it already from Kreuger, he brings incredible leadership with a great voice and great direction,” coach Mark Corrigan said. “He brings a great energy, and not to mention he is an incredibly powerful key position player that can play at both ends. Someone like Kreuger, at 25 years of age with six or seven years in an AFL program with experience, he will be enormous for our younger boys.”
Bailey Lambert, Frankston
The versatile Lambert returns to Kars St after spending last season with Carlton’s VFL team. He’s a good player – it wasn’t long ago that a few AFL clubs were running an eye over the son of former AFL star Craig Lambert.
Archi Lazzaro, Port Melbourne
Lazzaro is the brother of top Borough recruit Charlie and is seen as a developing young player. He established himself in the Newtown & Chilwell senior team last year.
Charlie Lazzaro, Port Melbourne
Another key signing for the Borough, strengthening their midfield with the former Kangaroo. Lazzaro was drafted with pick No. 36 in 2020, made his AFL debut in the opening round of 2021 and finished with 39 AFL appearances. Big numbers came his way in the VFL in 2024, averaging 26.8 possessions from his 10 games.
Riley Leedham, Essendon
The strapping Leedham, 195cm, comes from the Calder Cannons, where in a three-match patch last year he laid 20 tackles. He finished his top-age season with 15 games, 14 goals and a reputation for being able to crash a pack and take a mark.
Jack Lefroy, Coburg
Midfielder Lefroy has been at Carlton VFL for the past two years, playing 14 matches. He kept Kangaroo Flat as his home club in 2024, winning the best and fairest, but was previously attached to Old Trinity in the amateurs.
Perry Lewis-Smith, GWS
Orange and charcoal are the latest colours for the hard-running Lewis-Smith, who previously played for Casey, Frankston, Port Melbourne and the Northern Bullants. Last year he lined up with Yarrawonga in the Ovens and Murray league, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest.
Sam Linder, North Melbourne
The creative half-back, part of the St Kilda NGA, gave the Sandringham Dragons a strong season, averaging almost 20 possessions from 13 matches and finishing with good showings in the preliminary and grand finals.
Drew Lloyd, Port Melbourne
The forward was recommended to Borough coach Brendan McCartney after bagging 38 goals last year for Balranald in the Central Murray league. “I think our supporters will really enjoy watching Drew play,’’ McCartney said. “He’s a footballer. He plays footy like it’s the last game he’s ever going to play in his life, just gives it everything. He’s really clever at ground level and deceptive above his head.’’
Taj Logan, Carlton
Midfielder Logan, from Diamond Creek, is coming off his top-age season for the Northern Knights, where he had 14 matches last year and was named in the best six times.
Jake Lohmann, Werribee
A third VFL club in three years for Lohmann, the brother of AFL premiership Lion Kai. The clever forward was with Brisbane’s VFL team in 2024 and Sandringham in 2022-23.
Jedd Longmire, Werribee
Longmire, from Corowa-Rutherglen, joins the group of Ovens and Murray players to have made a home at Chirnside Park. He’s been with Collingwood’s VFL team for the past two seasons, playing 16 matches.” Jedd is a tough, inside midfielder who works tirelessly from contest to contest,’’ Bees football manager Ash Collins said. “At a young age, he already brings leadership and experience to the club from his time in a VFL program.’’
Ollie Lowe, North Melbourne
Lowe, thought to be one of the few Sandringham players capable of filling the St Kilda rookie slot, becomes a Kangaroo after 42 games with the Zebras, where he kicked 15.10 and averaged 13.8 disposals this year.
Sam Lowson, Southport
A superb signing for the Sharks in the seasoned and classy Lowson, who is making the move to the Gold Coast after two years with North Melbourne VFL. He already knows a few of his teammates, having played with Hugh Dixon, Brayden Crossley, Ben Jepson, Boyd Woodcock and Jacob Dawson in the VFL representative team against the SANFL in April. Lowson made his reputation with Coburg and was tipped to be No. 1 selection in the 2019 mid-season draft until injuries intervened.
James Lugsdin, GWS
Bore-in small forward Lugsdin is a former Swans Academy player and had 10 games with the Swans’ VFL team last year, in one of them kicking four goals against the Giants.
Seth MacDonald, Richmond
The Tigers like the look of the 188cm MacDonald, believing him capable of playing in most positions. He’s graduated from the Coates Talent League after two good seasons with the Eastern Ranges.
Darcy Macpherson, North Melbourne
After the VFL Roos made Macpherson their first major signing for 2025, he was soon training with the AFL squad. The son of Western Bulldogs favourite “Super’’ played 97 games for the Gold Coast Suns from 2016 to 2024 and at age 27 believes the highest level is still attainable.
Ewan Macpherson, North Melbourne
The Brisbane VFL player joined his brother Darcy at Arden St after returning to Melbourne. Now up to 65 games, he’s been a good performer in the VFL, first at Footscray and then the Lions.
Remy Maclean, Collingwood
The tall defender made an eye-catching debut for Box Hill Hawks last year, taking seven marks and kicking a goal against Essendon. He played again the following week and spent the rest of the season with the Eastern Ranges.
Harry Maguire, Werribee
The tall forward shapes as a useful addition for Werribee as it rejigs after the departures of a few senior regulars from the 2024 premiership season. The former Sydney Swans Academy player made 11 appearances for Port Melbourne last year and was also part of Hoppers Crossing’s memorable senior premiership in the Western Region league.
Will Madden, Northern Bullants
Madden, a key defender, has transferred from Essendon VFL. He had four games for the Bombers in 2023 but none this year. He did, however, perform well for Greenvale in the Essendon District league.
Ned Maginness, Sandringham
Maginness, the son of Hawthorn premiership defender Scott, was a 19-year-old Sandringham Dragon this year, splitting his time in the Coates Talent League and with Old Scotch Under 19s. He also appeared in the Young Guns series.
Christian Mardini, Northern Bullants
The 197cm Mardini captained the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League in 2023 and was also a Vic Metro representative. He finished the 2024 season by kicking six goals in a final for the South Morang Under 19s.
Will Martyn, Port Melbourne
Midfielder Martyn shapes as one of Port’s best recruits. The former Richmond AFL player signed with the Borough late in 2022, only to head back to Brisbane. He played for Wilston Grange in 2023 and had 13 games for the Brisbane Lions VFL team this year. The Borough called him a “hard-at-it midfielder with the ability to break out of stoppage and great ball use.’’
Riley Mason, Collingwood
The 21-year-old 197cm forward joined Collingwood after an outstanding season in the strong Goulburn Valley league. Mason booted 72 goals from 18 matches, including bags of 10 against Tatura, eight against Benalla and seven against Mooroopna. He was listed in the best players 11 times – enough to finish third in the best and fairest – and represented the league against the Ovens and Murray. A Broadford junior, Mason played for the Calder Cannons and was on Coburg’s VFL list in 2022 but never played a game for the Burgers.
Sam Mason, Coburg
Mason returns to the City Oval after an impressive debut season in 2023, when he showed adaptability and dash and came in the top 10 in the best and fairest. He went back to Old Trinity in amateurs this year but has chosen to pick up on a VFL career that began so promisingly.
Andrew Mathieson, Sandringham
Wingman Mathieson was at GWS in 2023, at Box Hill Hawks in 2024 and next year he’ll be with the Zebras as he tries to building on his 16 VFL games.
Lachie McArthur, Coburg
The 189cm utility was regularly among the best in his 11 games for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League this year. He was also called on to play two matches for the Footscray Bulldogs and in Young Guns fixtures. McArthur is also a talented cricketer, having made a century for Footscray in the elite Dowling Shield in Victorian Premier Cricket.
Myles McCluggage, Werribee
The younger brother of Brisbane Lions premiership star Hugh is having a dash at the VFL after a team-of-the-year season with South Warrnambool in the Hampden league. McCluggage had a stint with the GWV Rebels in 2021-22.
Billy McCormack, Box Hill Hawks
The 199cm McCormack, who played at Frankston in 2022, is back in Melbourne after three seasons with Central District in the SANFL.
Zac McGown, Box Hill Hawks
The midfielder/flanker joins the Hawks as a 19-year-old player attached to Eastern Ranges, where he showed promise this year but was restricted by injury.
Bailey McKenzie, Sandringham
McKenzie follows new Sandy CEO Mark Wheeler from the Sandringham Dragons, where he kicked 27 goals from 10 games in 2024, including six in the preliminary final against Dandenong Stingrays.
Tom McKenzie, Richmond
Ellie McKenzie is a leading Richmond AFLW player and her brother Tom has joined her at Punt Rd after 46 games with Coburg.
Sam McMeekan, GWS
The 20-year-old half-back and midfielder gets his chance with the Giants after a strong 2024 with Manly Warringah.
Bailey Medwell, Footscray Bulldogs
A more mature recruit for the ‘Scray in Ballarat league top-liner Bailey Medwell, from Sebastopol. He had 41 disposals, 21 contested possessions and 13 clearances in a match last season.
Carter Michael, Williamstown
Defender Michael, 22, is coming off Brisbane’s list, having been with the Lions since the 2020 rookie draft. The left-footer’s sole AFL appearance was against Essendon in 2022.
Ted Middleton, Footscray Bulldogs
The young midfielder from Lorne was the 21st player signed by the Bulldogs, recommended by his coach and former Blue Ed Curnow. Middleton was an excellent contributor to Lorne’s premiership team last year, kicking 19 goals from 14 matches.
Phill Moimoi, Richmond
A relative of former Parramatta Eels rugby league cult figure Fuifui Moimoi, the forward has returned to Melbourne and signed with the Tigers after one season with Sydney’s VFL team. He had some bright moments with the Swans, kicking 14 goals from 11 matches.
Ned Moodie, Frankston
The Dolphins had a good look at Moodie over the pre-season before pushing a contract at him. A former Dandenong Stingrays, he had 24 appearances in his two seasons at Casey Demons and his versatility as much as his natural ability appealed to Frankston. He is the son of former Dandenong VFA defender Shane Moodie.
Ajang Kuol mun, Port Melbourne
The young ruckman has had a rapid rise in football since joining local club Anakie in 2023, playing five VFL games for Geelong last year and attending the draft state combine, where he recorded 90cm for the running vertical jump. He’s eyeing more opportunities at the stand-alone Borough. “He’s a young ruckman and super-athletic and learning the ruck craft under Steve Alessio, where to put your body, how to use your body, how to recover your position when you’re pushed out of the way,’’ new Port coach Brendan McCartney told CODE Sports. “We’re in the process of teaching him how to play when it’s not going to plan for him. He’s such a free spirit and he sort of plays on instinct. We want to keep him that way but we want to add a little bit of method to him. We’re helping him to learn to deal with mature ruckmen, the more crafty ruckmen he’s going to run into.’’
Tom Mundy, Williamstown
A return to the Towners for Tasmanian Mundy, who was on the list in 2019-20. More recently he’s been playing with Deer Park, winning the best and fairest in 2023.
Luca Muratore, Footscray Bulldogs
Star AFL Western Bulldogs Aaron Naughton recommended Muratore to the Bulldogs. Naughton is a development and assistant coach at Essendon District league Airport West, where Muratore has emerged as a leading player, winning the competition goalkicking last year with 47 goals from 18 games. Airport West senior coach Brent Taylor said his club was chuffed to see the 180cm Muratore take the next step in his football. “He’s a really good, X-factor player,’’ Taylor said. “Watching his growth and development last year, he’s somebody who I think, if his body can handle the duress of higher level, has draftable characteristics. He can mark overhead, he can turn opponents when the ball hits the ground, and he’s got a really good defensive mindset. I was able to flick him on the ball sometimes last year when we were up against it and he could kick goals from the midfield. He’s a highly talented player, in my opinion.’’
Hamish Murphy, Williamstown
The 24-year-old defender came through Williamstown Juniors. And now he’ll play for the Willy seniors after switching from North Melbourne VFL, where he 24 appearances across four seasons. When he wasn’t playing for the Roos, Murphy was starring at local level for North Heidelberg.
Amin Naim, Northern Bullants
Highly regarded by officials at the Calder Cannons in 2023, Naim had a strong year for Strathmore, booting 47 goals from 21 games. He also played one match for Essendon VFL.
Jacob Noble, Frankston
Noble, a tall defender, was captain of Noble Park’s Under 19 team last year but played 16 games with the senior team and the club named him best first-year player. “He’s really competitive and strong in the air and in the match-sims he played he was really competitive against our key forwards,’’ Frankston coach Jackson Kornberg said of the ex-Narre South junior.
Charlton Offermans, Essendon
Offermans is a former college basketballer, playing for Rockhurst Hawks in Kansas City, Missouri from 2017 to 2020. He’s relocated to Melbourne after stints with Brisbane VFL, Southport and Labrador, where he had 17 matches as a midfielder this year.
Hewago Paul Oea, Southport
The player they call “Ace’’ becomes another former Gold Coast Sun to link with the Sharks. From Papua New Guinea, Oea relocated to the Gold Coast when he was 16 to pursue an AFL career and he made 13 AFL appearances in his four seasons as a Sun. He had had 69 games in the NEAFL/VFL, figuring in Gold Coast’s 2023 flag. Last season the Suns named him their VFL player of the year. Southport GM of football operations Jarrod Field called Oea “an exciting young player with a lot of experience’’.
Tarkyn O’Leary, Frankston
O’Leary has joined his brother Blake at the Dolphins as he looks to get his VFL career going. He was an impressive player with the Sandringham Dragons in 2023, but struggled to put down his influence in eight appearances for Sandringham last year.
Jack O’Sullivan, North Melbourne
Delisted by Hawthorn at the end of last season, the small forward becomes the second Jack O’Sullivan on the Roos’ VFL list. Drafted from the Oakleigh Chargers, he did not play an AFL game but made 24 appearances across two seasons for Box Hill Hawks, last year averaging 12.8 disposals and kicking 17.10.
Paddy O’Sullivan, North Melbourne
The elder brother of top Roos draft pick Finn is from the Hampden league, where made his debut for Koroit in 2021 and has played 59 games at senior level. In 2023 he gained 13 mentions in the best from 19 matches and captained Hampden’s Under 23 representative team. “He’s a forward/midfielder, fit and athletic and with a big frame on him,’’ Roos coach Tom Lynch said.
Dom Payman, Coburg
Another recruit from Old Trinity for the Burgers, this time a 201cm ruckman/forward to support Cooper Keogh. Payman booted 46 goals from 19 matches in VAFA Premier B this year.
Elwood Peckett, Sandringham
Coming off a strong season for Dandenong Stingrays that put him into draft contention, the son of former St Kilda star Justin Peckett has linked with the Saints-aligned Sandringham. He played mostly as a midfielder/forward for the Rays and averaged 17.4 possessions from 16 matches. His performance against Murray Bushrangers at Shepparton vaulted him into the Coates Talent League limelight: there were 25 touches and five goals.
Jet Peckett, Sandringham
The older brother of Elwood becomes a Zebras after a stint at Frankston, where he played two senior games in 2024. He was more prominent at Bonbeach, regularly getting in their best.
Rye Penny, Werribee
A graduate of the Calder Cannons, where he did well enough to be asked to the draft state combine (he equalled the standing vertical jump record), Penny, liked Jedd Longmuir, arrives at Werribee after two years with Collingwood VFL. Last season the defender played local football with Bacchus Marsh and was chosen as a Ballarat league Under 23 representative player against the Hampden.
Flynn Penry, Port Melbourne
From Cobden Bombers, the 201cm ruckman has spent the past two years with the GWV Rebels, in 2024 playing a match for Vic Country at the national Under 18 championships. Port called him a “super competitive athlete with a strong mark’’.
Ethan Phillips, Carlton
The affable “Easy’’ will try to reboot his AFL career at Carlton after his delisting at Hawthorn, where he was an SSP addition. The 2022 winner of the VFL’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal played one AFL game for the Hawks and 14 for Box Hill Hawks, missing a few with a minor knee injury.
Jack Polkinghorne, Carlton
Polkinghorne, 22, figured in Scotch’s breakthrough premiership in the VAFA last season to earn an invitation to Carlton’s pre-season. He landed a contract after Christmas, joining a long list of Cardinals on VFL books. “Beautiful skills, left and right foot, reads the game well, he’s got a good leap on him and can take a grab,’’ was Scotch coach Mark Gnatt’s pen-pic of Polkinghorne. “We ended up playing him more as a half-forward/wing last year so he was higher up the ground and could use his attributes. He had a really good couple of finals games. He was actually pivotal for us early in the grand final. He’s right in the prime spot with his footy. I think it’s all clicked now.’’
Riley Polkinghorne, Port Melbourne
The 23-year-old is the son of Travis Polkinghorne, who with his brothers Grant and John won VFL best and fairests with North Ballarat in the 1990s. Riley followed his father onto the club honour board by taking the top award in 2021 and again last year, when he averaged 29 possessions a game.
Corey Preston, Box Hill Hawks
Preston saw out the 2024 season with East Ringwood’s grand final team, having started it at Werribee. He was a star in the Eastern league, kicking 27 goals and getting 10 mentions in the best from 15 outings. Preston also played 38 games for Williamstown across the 2022-23 seasons.
Liam Purcell, Sandringham
The 196cm Purcell played 16 VFL games for Collingwood from 2022-24. A Mordialloc-Braeside junior, he made his start in senior football at Parkdale Vultures, crossing to St Paul’s in the Southern league in 2023. At 24 he’ll be one of the more senior figures on the Sandy list.
Ben Quaynor, Northern Bullants
The brother of top AFL Magpie Isaac spent some time training with Collingwood’s VFL program and earns his opportunity with the Ants after establishing himself in Eltham’s senior team in the Northern league.
Nic Quigg, Essendon
Onballer Quigg – a Seymour product who captained the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League and ran second in their best and fairest in 2022 – played 15 matches for the GWS VFL team last season. He was on Coburg’s list the previous year.
Jay Rantall, Geelong
Former Collingwood player Rantall, 23, popped up to play four matches for Werribee last year after being on Footscray’s list 12 months earlier. Cats coach Mark Corrigan said Rantall brought AFL experience to the squad and was an “elite runner’’. “He is a really nice ball user, someone who will complement our inside midfielders, he is going to complement that group really well, and again he is another mature body coming in,’’ he said.
Massimo Raso, Richmond
There’s not much of 171cm Western Jets graduate Raso, but he’s a pocket-rocket of a player and can put defenders under pressure with his pace and nose for a goal.
Billy Richardson, Sandringham
“Big Billy’’, as Sandy CEO Mark Wheeler refers to him, is from the Brisbane Academy, and played four VFL games for the Lions last year, as well as three matches in the national Under 18 championships.
Max Rider, Port Melbourne
Rider, 19, is a forward out of the Sydney Swans Academy who had VFL experience with the Swannies in 2023, when he was also in the Allies side at the national Under 18 championships. This year he played in the Swans’ Coates Talent League team, kicking four goals against Sandringham Dragons.
Michael Rudd, Port Melbourne
The nephew of ex-Port Melbourne grand final player Josh Rudd is a 193cm forward and a former captain of Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League. The left-footer played one VFL game for Carlton in 2024 and was impressive at local level with St Mary’s in the Geelong league, booting 21 goals from 18 outings.
Luke Ryan, Northern Bullants
Ryan is another player who has joined the Ants in the hope of gaining more regular games in the VFL. He had match at Sandringham last year, spending the rest of the season with Cora Lynn in the West Gippsland league.
Jack Sammartino, Box Hill Hawks
Sammartino was recommended to the Hawks as a versatile player who, without no fanfare or fuss, performed his role for Banyule last year. He previously played at Northcote Park and Preston Bullants, where he kicked 50 goals in 2019.
Christopher Scerri, Northern Bullants
Small and speedy, Scerri has made the Ants’ list straight out of the Strathmore Under 18s. He figured in the best players in 13 of his 19 games last year and Bullants assistant Rocky Iannello said he believed Scerri had a bright future. “He’s a wildcard, I reckon … people might be talking about him in 12 months,’’ he said. “He’s only a little fella but he’s got real ability to cover the ground, he’s quick, tough and he’s really won a lot of our playing group over.’’
Ben Seers, Sandringham
From Beaumaris, speedy half-forward Seers was part of the outstanding Sandringham Dragons team last year, playing 14 games, including the grand final.
Tyler Sellers, Essendon
The 193cm Sellers was somewhat surprisingly discarded by North Melbourne, which made him an SSP signing for 2024 and gave him two AFL games. The key forward was runner-up in the VFL best and fairest after kicking 30 goals, the same tally as 2023.
Kane Sexton, Footscray Bulldogs
Sexton is the son of former leading Port Melbourne forward Danny and played at senior level with Yarraville Seddon Eagles. The defender also had 15 matches as a defender for the Western Jets.
Kaden Schreiber, Northern Bullants
The defender crosses from Collingwood, which he joined in 2021. He came back from a knee injury to play eight games this year and was also part of Balwyn’s Eastern league premiership.
Noah Scott, Essendon
Scott is an impressive graduate of the Calder Cannons, where in 15 Talent league Games he averaged 22 disposals this year. The Cannons judged him their most courageous player. He also turned out for his school, Parade College.
Blake Simondson, Box Hill Hawks
The speedy Simondson, who spent some time in North Melbourne’s VFL program, joins the Hawks from South Belgrave, where he was a consistent performer in the Eastern league last year.
Lochie Simpson, Northern Bullants
At 208cm, Simpson will be easy to locate on the field. He’s joined the Bullants as a “project’’ player from Wodonga Raiders, where he made his start in senior football after previously playing basketball for the Albury Wodonga Bandits in the NBL1.
Hamish Sinnott, Essendon
Sinnott becomes a Bomber after playing eight VFL games across three seasons with Carlton and Geelong. He’s a dominant player for Camperdown in the Hampden league, winning the Maskell Medal as league best and fairest in 2023.
Jack Skinner, Port Melbourne
The strong 188cm defender played for the Geelong Falcons in 2024, but he already has a year of senior football behind him, having turned out for Colac Imperials in the Colac and District league in 2023.
Deakyn Smith, Casey Demons
Smith won Casey’s 2023 best and fairest as a Melbourne-listed player and he’s returned to Casey Fields after a season with North Melbourne’s VFL program.
Josh Sparkman, Port Melbourne
Sparkman, a 188cm defender, has followed new Port senior coach Brendan McCartney from North Ballarat. The 20-year-old had a taste of the VFL this year, playing two matches late in the season for Footscray Bulldogs. Sparkman was also selected in the Ballarat league’s Under 23 representative team.
Tyson Sruk, Casey Demons
Sruk earned attention when he had 37 possessions for Eastern Ranges in the 2023 Under 18 grand final against Sandringham Dragons. A broken collarbone restricted him this year as a Carlton VFL-lister but he did play a dozen matches at local level for Rowville.
Ethan Stanley, Box Hill Hawks
The dashing Stanley returns to the City Oval after being delisted by Fremantle, which recruited him in the 2023 mid-season rookie draft. He played two AFL games as the sub and 22 matches for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
Blade Sulzberger, Northern Bullants
The 21-year-old North Launceston midfielder brings strong credentials to Cramer St, having finished second in the 2024 Alastair Lynch Medal and taken a position in the TSL team of the year. He averaged 22 touches, 5.2 clearances, 4.6 inside 50s and 4.3 tackles.
Nathaniel Sulzberger, North Melbourne
Sulzberger, 187cm midfielder from Tasmania, was among the Sandringham Dragons premiership players considered unlucky at the draft. He averaged 19 disposals in his 10 matches for the club and played four games for the Allies at the nationals, collecting 21 possessions against South Australia. Sulzberger’s best performance in the Talent League came against the Western Jets in the Wildcard Round, where he kicked three goals and had 29 disposals.
Mitch Szybkowski, GWS
The Giants become Szybkowski’s third club in three years after his stints with Frankston (2023) and Casey Demons (2024). The midfielder was seen as stiff to miss out on the 2022 drafts after two strong seasons with the Dandenong Stingrays.
Curtis Taylor, Collingwood
The exciting Taylor is one of the signings of the off-season. The Magpies beat a few other clubs to his signature after he was let go by North Melbourne after 76 AFL games. He intent on doing well in the VFL and pushing for a second league club.
Liam Taylor, Northern Bullants
Taylor rose through the grades to become a senior player of stature at North Ringwood and gets his chance to go to another level with the Bullants, as a mature and speedy midfielder and half back who can also play forward and back.
James Tidemann, Sydney
Tidemann was named in the best in North Shore Bombers’ premiership win in the AFL Sydney competition last year. He also played one VFL game for the Swans.
Jonathan Tomasiello, Coburg
Tomasiello, a midfielder, was one of quite a few Magpies to depart the VFL nest at the end of 2024. Having played 10 games across the past two seasons with Collingwood, the Northern Knights graduate is eyeing more chances with the Burgers.
Adam Tomlinson, North Melbourne
It wasn’t easy to get a handle on Tomlinson’s next move after being delisted by Melbourne. He was linked with SSP trials at West Coast Eagles and Gold Coast, and with Collingwood and Sandringham in the VFL. But he landed at North Melbourne VFL after lengthy talks with coach Tom Lynch. The 31-year-old played 185 games, 140 with GWS and 45 with Melbourne, before being cut by the Demons last October. Tomlinson was a Giants foundation player and crossed to Melbourne in 2020. An ACL injury in 2021 meant he missed the Demons’ premiership but he played in Casey’s flag in 2022. Last year the right-footer had eight AFL appearances with Melbourne and dominated at VFL level, averaging 24 possessions from nine matches.
Sam Toner, Richmond
Clever forward Toner becomes a Tiger after being overlooked in a draft in which he was touted as a “bolter’’. It reflected his rapid rise at the Dandenong Stingrays, who pulled him out of local football after his goalkicking exploits for Narre Warren.
Josh Tovey, Collingwood
Tovey was co-captain of the Eastern Ranges in 2023 and, as a tall defender, among their best players in a grand final defeat against Sandringham Dragons. He’s switched to Collingwood after playing four games with Box Hill Hawks.
Hugh Trigg, Port Melbourne
The 187cm forward became the fourth North Ballarat player to join coach Brendan McCartney in the move to the Borough. He made his senior debut for the Roosters in 2023 and kicked 16 goals from 11 games last year. A much-decorated junior player, Trigg also spent time with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
Noah Tullio, Werribee
The 169cm Tullio earned 16 games for the Geelong Falcons last year as a pressure forward, kicking 16 goals and gaining Vic Country selection. From Werribee, he played junior football at Werribee Districts.
Kye Turner, Williamstown
Willy lured the key defender from Port Melbourne, where in one, injury-tailed season he played three games. The Towners believe a fit Turner will slot seamlessly into their backline and give them flexibility with other players. Turner was on Melbourne’s rookie list in 2023 after being added during the SSP period.
Dayten Uerata, Essendon
Uerata, a forward and midfielder, captained Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League this year, played in the Young Guns series and made his VFL debut for Essendon in the Dreamtime match against Richmond.
Ryan Valentine, Coburg
The Lions have added firepower to their forward line with the addition of the 197cm Valentine, who played in Casey’s 2022 VFL premiership. This year he had a telling hand in Old Scotch’s VAFA success, kicking four goals and jagging the medal as best-afield in the grand final. His season contribution to Scotch was 38 goals from 16 games.
Fred Valpied, Footscray Bulldogs
The flanker and wingman represented the QAFL last year, selected from the ranks of Palm Beach Currumbin, but he is from Ballarat and spent two years with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
Oscar Van Dam, North Melbourne
Van Dam weighed up a move to the Casey Demons ahead of the 2024 season but decided to stay in Tasmania and continue with North Launceston. Moving into the midfield, he was often in the best and was part of the Bombers’ premiership team.
James Van Es, Port Melbourne
The 197cm defender had two years at St Kilda, but they were interrupted by injury and he was restricted to 14 games with Sandringham in 2023. “James has the flexibility to play a lock-down role or intercepting role with a great ability to read the play and take a strong grab,’’ Port said.
Giorgio Varagiannis, Northern Bullants
Out to prove himself a VFL regular, the forward/midfielder was desperate to land a contract with the Bullants and did so after Christmas. His VFL games tally stands at 12 after a two-year involvement with GWS.
Cooper Vickery, Carlton
Gippslander Vickery was drafted by Sydney with pick No. 27 in 2022 but was let go after playing 27 VFL games in his two years as a Swan. “We think Cooper is a really promising young talent and we’re really excited to be able to welcome him to IKON Park for 2025,” Blues coach Luke Power said. “He’s got a fair share of VFL experience already, and at 20 years of age, there’s plenty of scope for development in Cooper’s game which we feel like he can reach – we’re delighted he sees our program to be the best fit for him as well. Cooper possesses great speed and the capacity to turn defence into offence by driving out of the backline, which is so important in the modern game. We also really rate his competitive instincts, something which we value highly at our footy club.’’
Lachie Voss, Sandringham
Playing as a 19-year-old, the tall and talented Voss had a VFL game with the Zebras last year and figured in the Dragons’ grand final win over the Greater Western Victoria Rebels. He was also part of their 2022 premiership.
Josh Walker, Coburg
Walker had been training with Collingwood’s VFL squad before the Lions enticed him to the City Oval. He was a Rising Star nomination in the VAFA last year after snaring nine mentions in the best in 19 games for Collegians. “Josh’s improvement throughout the year has been profound. He is very competitive, and also possesses a high level of class and skill that compliments his hardness,’’ Collegians said. “He started out as a wing/forward but has now progressed into an on-ball role. He’ll still go forward at times, and regularly hits the scoreboard.’’
Tex Wanganeen, Port Melbourne
The 21-year-old son of Brownlow Medal champion Gavin Wanganeen extended the Bombers connection (James Hird, Dyson Heppell, Brendan McCartney) to the Borough. The forward played five AFL matches for Essendon and 35 in its VFL team. Port said Wanganeen “enjoys the defensive side of the game and brings the X factor’’.
Oliver Warburton, Carlton
Warburton made a worthy claim for the 2024 drafts, doing well as a defender and midfielder for the Murray Bushrangers. He also represented Victoria Country at the national championships, averaging 18.5 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency. Warburton recorded 6:47 for the 2km trial at the draft combine.
Cooper Ward, Werribee
Playing for Geelong Falcons, Ward kicked seven goals in a Coates Talent League match at Chirnside Park last year; little wonder he was happy to get back to the ground and sign with the Bees. That performance against Oakleigh Chargers was the high point of a 2024 season in which he played 16 games for the Falcons and kicked 27 goals to run fourth in their best and fairest.
Jackson Weidemann, Northern Bullants
The season defender is back in the VFL after spending last season with North Albury in the Ovens and Murray league. The nephew of Adelaide Crows cult figure Wayne was with Port Melbourne in 2022-23, playing 27 matches across half-back.
Malachi White, Port Melbourne
The 19-year-old midfielder was the Borough’s first signing from North Ballarat. He previously spent two seasons with Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League.
Ethan Williams, Sandringham
The 2023 Sandringham Dragons premiership player and Port Melbourne Colts product spent last season with GWS’s VFL team, playing 11 games and averaging 13.9 disposals. His best performance came against the Zebras, when he had 24 touches across half-back.
Owen Williams, Frankston
The young forward kicked 20 goals for Mt Eliza in a premiership season last year. He played a handful of games for the Dandenong Stingrays in 2022 and again in 2023.
Declan Willmore, Coburg
Willmore, a 190cm midfielder/flanker, was on Essendon’s VFL list in 2024 but spent the season with Doutta Stars in the Essendon District league. Two years ago he won the Calder Cannons best and fairest, suggesting the Burgers have signed a player capable of helping them rise a few rungs on the ladder.
Brady Wright, Werribee
Wright came through in the Ballarat league this year under the eye of the seasoned Dan Jordan at Darley, booting 30 goals from 16 matches. “He’s certainly very talented,’’ Jordan said of Wright, who was on Geelong’s 2023 VFL list but missed most of the season with a back injury. “We made a plan to slowly return him to footy but he had a knee and missed two or three weeks and then he punctured a lung. But he showed enough, particularly in the last five or six weeks of the year, to be a dominant forward. I believe he’s an AFL talent, so I was pretty keen to get him into a VFL program.’’
Noah Yze, Casey Demons
The son of Richmond coach Adem had two VFL games for Casey last season, as well as 11 for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League. He’s a 190cm forward with sharp skills and a team-first approach.
Originally published as Done deal: 230+ recruits for the 2025 VFL season
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