AFL Outer East 2021: Cranbourne secures a string of recruits

The Eagles have welcomed a number of prodigal sons back to the fold ahead of the 2021 AFL Outer East season.

Cranbourne's Max Gearon takes a kick against Hampton Park in 2017. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Cranbourne is getting the band back together in 2021.

A raft of Eagles are returning to the nest as the club chases the ultimate success in AFL Outer East.

Significantly, Cranbourne has regained 2016 premiership captain and former best and fairest winner Max Gearon after stints with Mornington and Pearcedale.

He joins Marc Holt (back from Karingal), Troy Tharle (Cora Lynn), Curtis Baker (Seaford), Brandon Wapshott (Cora Lynn), Rylan Smith (Cora Lynn), Mitch Lindsay (Pearcedale) and Ryan Goold (Glen Waverley Hawks) as key Cranbourne returnees.

Also back are Jake Carosella, Adrian and Nick Russo and Chris Ramac from Oakleigh Districts.

Mick Boland competes in the ruck. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

Star ruckman Mick Boland is also back from injury; he’s like a gun recruit.

Tooradin-Dalmore ruckman Agape Patolo has also signed on.

Cranbourne’s 2018 reserves premiership coach Dom Carosella has also returned after a couple of years at Oakleigh Districts as the senior coach.

“There’s a lot who have come back,” Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien said.

“It should be pretty much what we had with some of the old crew coming back.”

Champion goal kicker Holt intends to finish his illustrious career on a high in the blue and gold.

Cranbourne full-forward Marc Holt is back. Picture: Chris Eastman

He’s just become a father for the second time and will be ready to go when the 2021 season kicks off, according to O’Brien.

“He wants to finish his career at his club which is obviously Cranny,” O’Brien said.

“He had his year at Karingal but he’s got two young kids now so he wants them to see him in a Cranbourne jumper, so he’ll come back and finish with us.”

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the 2021 season, Cranbourne will be play at its brand-new Livingston Estate facilities, featuring an expansive oval and flash clubhouse.

“It’s going to be great for us,” O’Brien said.

“Where we were (at Casey Fields), while the ground was good, the facilities weren’t great for us.

“Now we get our own facilities where we can put our memorabilia up and really make it feel like our home. It should be great.”

Brandon Osborne will again captain Cranbourne, which has three practice games planned — against Croydon, East Ringwood and Berwick.

Back in the nest: Marc Holt (Karingal), Troy Tharle (Cora Lynn), Max Gearon (Pearcedale), Curtis Baker (Seaford), Mitch Lindsay (Pearcedale), Jordyn Baker (Pearcedale), Adrian Russo (Oakleigh District), Nick Russo (Oakleigh District), Chris Ramac (Oakleigh Districts), Brandon Wapshott (Cora Lynn), Rylan Smith (Cora Lynn), Ryan Goold (Glen Waverley Hawks), Jake Carosella (Oakleigh Districts).