Displaced players fill the ranks of rival clubs to stay in the game

Athletes wanting to stay connected to their sporting community are adopting rival clubs to stay in the game. Read who’s moving where.

Left: Regional Manager Community Football - ACT/Regional NSW Marc Geppert, Community Football Manager Paul Taylor, and Lismore Swans AFL president Ken McPherson. Picture Cath Piltz

Sporting clubs across the Northern Rivers impacted by recent floods have players moving into rival territory to stay in the game for the 2022 season.

Northern NSW AFL competition coordinator Brad Greenshields said some clubs have withdrawn their teams this year being unable to field a side for competition.

“We’ve had clubs withdraw due to lack of players,” Mr Greenshields said.

“They have their lives to sort out and that’s totally understandable.”

Lismore Swans AFL posted on their social media platforms they will be withdrawing both their men’s and women‘s sides this season in order to rebuild for 2023.

Even with the support from AFL legends Alastair Clarkson and Ryan O’Keefe the Lismore Swans will take a break to rebuild.

Two of the Lismore Swans women‘s seniors have transferred to the Byron Magpies so far; centre and wing, Lilli Hutchings and back pocket, fullback, Georgina Morris.

Ms Hutchings said her move to the Byron Magpies was based on a positive club culture and healthy rivalry.

Spectacular mark: Lilli Hutchings was a force of nature taking this mark in her 51st game for the Lismore Swans women's team against the Sawtell Saints on May 29, during the 2021 Sir Doug Nicholls Round, at Oakes Ovals, Lismore. Picture: Alison Paterson

“My decision to go to the Maggies besides convenience as it’s close to my work, was mainly because I’ve always enjoyed playing against them in previous years,” Ms Hutchings said.

A bit more of a commute to stay engaged in their sporting community hasn’t dissuaded many athletes from adopting other clubs for the 2022 season.

“I have absolutely loved training with them and all the Lismore girls there have felt super supported and welcomed which just cemented my decision to stick with them this year. The drive is worth it for the great vibe among the group!”

Ms Hutchings said she is excited for the season.

“I know the Magpies have been successful in the past and hopefully adding some Swannies in the mix will lift them even more.

“I would love to be a part of the swans rebuild for sure and will always be faithful to my first club and I hope that next year will be better for the club and for the whole of Lismore.”

Four of the Lismore Swans senior men’s players will don the Tigers guernsey to take the field against Northern Beaches at Woolgoolga this Saturday.

Lismore Swans coach Tim Whalan and Ballina captain Sum Hunt after the game at Oakes Oval. Picture Alison Paterson

Lismore men’s coach Tim Whalan said a couple of the senior men’s players have joined Ballina, and some have gone to Casino while others are making the commitment to Grafton.

“We’re still trying to have a presence of aussie-rules in Lismore,” Mr Whalan said.

“We have all these players still registered under the Lismore Swans banner while they play for other clubs and hopefully this will allow us to retain players for 2023.”

Mr Whalan said the plan for the club this season is to hold training sessions in Lismore for both registered players that have adopted other clubs for the year and for those who still want to be involved in the club community.

“The plan is to keep a core group of players together to train together and hopefully retain them for next year.”

Grafton Tigers will benefit from the likes of Tim Whalan (playing and assisting with coaching drills for the Tigers), Rory Richardson, Otto Scarlet, Hendrik Hoogendoorn and possibly Braiden Needham.