The best recruits in Victorian country and local footy for 2023
The race to land the top recruit of the local footy off-season is on with clubs across the state already unveiling impressive signings. Here are our best so far.
AFL Outer-East
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Pen has been hitting paper in the past few weeks as local clubs sign their recruits for the 2023 season.
There are more signings to come, but here are our best so far, from A to Z.
Belal Abou-Eid (Moonee Valley, Essendon)
Found plenty of the footy for Sunshine throughout the season and a step down from Division 1 to 2 in a different competition means he should be able to do more of the same.
Harley Ambrose (Murrumbeena, Southern)
The former Beena player and D1 St Paul’s captain has returned to be a playing assistant coach. Ambrose has a wealth of experience, from spending time with the Sandringham Dragons and Sandringham Zebras VFL to being a D1 premiership player and a three-time interleague representative.
Darcy Barden (Macleod, Northern)
Will add some much needed experience into the Kangas’ line-up next season. A league best-and-fairest in 2022 proves he still has the capabilities to make the step up to Division 1. Helps to fill out the spine of Macleod which has been lacking size.
Josh Begley (Boronia, Eastern)
The ex-AFL Bomber and Frankston midfielder has committed to the Hawks full-time after hanging up the boots at state level. Begley played 17 matches for Essendon from 2017-2020 following his selection at pick 31 in the 2016 national draft. Standing at 188cm and 89kg, the former Eastern Ranges talent will be a sure boost to a Boronia outfit which finished fifth this season in Division 2.
Zak Bozanich (Oakleigh District, Eastern)
The key forward arrives from Springbank following two seasons at the Central Highlands club, where he formed one of the league’s most potent attack duos. His haul included 41 goals from 14 matches this year including a match winning five majors in the prelim final. He went goalless just once this season, standing up as one of Springbank’s best through the finals. He produced 31 majors from nine appearances in 2021, and previously played with Moree Suns in the North West NSW comp following an earlier stint with Swan Districts in the WAFL.
Jack Berry (Frankston Bombers, MPNFL)
Frankston Bombers believe they’ll have the best big man trio in the MPNFL next season after signing former Geelong, Werribee and Frankston VFL ruckman Jack Berry. Berry will join Khan Haretuku and Harry Prior to form a trifecta of Bomber big guns. At 198cm and 109kg, Berry at times dominated VFL games, collecting over 45 hit outs on occasions.
Riley Blackman (Officer, Outer East)
A hard-nosed inside mid who loves winning his own footy, Blackman has previously won a league best and fairest in his time at Rowville before moving to the Glen Waverly Hawks.
Jarrod Brander (Wentworth, Sunraysia)
The former West Coast and GWS player returns to his home club after being delisted by GWS following the end of this year’s season. He’s set to add to an already dominant forward line in the competition.
Mitch Brown (Mordialloc, Southern)
The former AFL Cat, Bomber and Demon was a man in demand, with a swag of metro and country football clubs jostling for his signature. But he chose the Bloods, coached by former Essendon player Brendon Moore.
Alex Browne (Edi-Asp, MPNFL)
Browne has most recently been playing at St Bede’s in the VAFA where he has been a dominant ruckman. At 6’6 and 110kg, he will give silver service to the Eagles’ midfield in 2023.
Jai Burns (Fitzroy Stars, Northern)
Burns is set to return to the Stars again after another successful season with Bundoora. He made 14 senior games and was part of the side that played off in the grand final.
Jackson Calder (Mornington, MPNFL)
The key forward is returning to the Bulldogs after a stint up north, where he’s enjoyed tremendous success over the past couple of seasons, kicking loads of goals and playing in premierships with St Marys in the Northern Territory league and with Cairns City Lions. Calder will play under a new coach at Mornington, with former Frankston VFL captain Josh Newman taking the reins.
Damien Cavka (Keilor, Essendon)
After winning a premiership with Keilor Park, Cavka is set to test himself in the Essendon District league’s top tier with his former club. A running machine who will add more depth to a Blues’ midfield which will be much stronger than 2022.
Josh Clayton (Red Hill, MPNFL)
Red Hill has landed a superb recruit, with former Brisbane Lion Josh Clayton coming on board. The 26-year-old spent three years with the Lions, playing two AFL games in 2016. He was a key member of Southport’s maiden NEAFL premiership in 2018 and played 18 games for Werribee in 2019 after returning to Melbourne. Clayton will provide excellent leadership and a steadying presence around the ground for the Hillmen.
Luke Dahlhaus (Point Cook, Western)
Straight out of the AFL system and into local footy, Dahlhaus looms as one of the must watch players in the WRFL next season. Under the guidance of Western Bulldogs premiership teammate Clay Smith, who is Point Cook’s new coach, Dahlhaus smarts around goal and ball winning ability will make him a key figure. A much needed experience head for the Dogs.
Luke Davis (Barwon Heads, Bellarine)
The reigning back-to-back premier is getting even stronger with Davis returning to the club. Was a Geelong league Team of the Year member in 2022.
Nick Dixon (Old Geelong, VAFA)
Departed North Shore as a playing co-coach and his exit has proven to be a major win for Old Geelong who have signed Dixon as a playing coach.
Brandon Droessler (Kilsyth, Eastern)
A boom-signing for the Division 4 Cougars, with the tall utility crossing from Division 1 club Lilydale where he’s spent the past four years. The 26-year-old has won three flags with Kew in the VAFA and had stints with Casey and the Northern Blues in the VFL, and Vermont in 2017. He filled the centre half-back role for Lilydale in recent seasons, but brings versatility as a forward or ruckman, helping the Falcons to a grand final berth in 2018.
Lynden Dunn (Caulfield Bears, Southern)
The ex-AFL Demon and Magpie embarks on his senior coaching career — and he will also continue playing. At 35, he’s still a force. In the past two seasons he played with West Coburg in ther Essendon District league, kicking 66 goals in 26 games.
Lachlan East (Bundoora, Northern)
East has an impressive Northern League CV which includes being a three-time club best-and-fairest winner, interleague representative and two-time Team of the Year selection.
Corey Ellis (Keilor, Essendon)
Mick McGuane’s side couldn’t be happier to have this man back without the loom of VFL commitments. A proven player at state league level, Ellis will add firepower to a Blues’ midfield as strong as any in local footy.
Eddie Espinosa (Murrumbeena, Southern)
A classy midfielder and forward who has played 69 club games and kicked over 70 goals. He returns to the Beena from St Kilda City in D1.
Aaron Fenton (North Ringwood, Eastern)
Technically, the former Saints captain isn’t a new signing, but he had missed this season due to overseas travel and reportedly turned down offers elsewhere to sign again at Quambee Reserve for ‘23. The star midfielder has represented Eastern at interleague level and will provide a lift to a Saints outfit which has been relegated to the league’s second tier for 2023 after winning just two matches this season.
Riley Ferguson (Geelong Amateur, Bellarine)
Rejoins his junior club after a stunning stint with Geelong league powerhouse which saw him win three premierships. Ferguson was part of Ammos’ flag in 2014.
Sam Fox (Tyabb, MPNFL)
Fox is one of the recruits of the off season in the MPNFL. A former league medal, he was also a fine player at VFL level with Frankston and Sandringham, making a VFL team of the year.
Clayton Gay (Hastings, MPNFL)
The Hastings rebuild is off to a flying start, with Clayton Gay returning to the Blues from a stint in the SANFL. The former AFL Academy and Vic Country representative was touted as a draft prospect a year ago and spent season 2022 with West Adelaide. The 20-year-od has an elite left foot kick and dangerous goal kicking ability.
Billy Gowers (Old Xaverians, VAFA)
The former Western Bulldog 2018 leading goalkicker has signed with Old Xaverians after two seasons with Southport in the VFL. The 26-year-old attended Xavier College and is set to reunite with some old school friends by playing at the club.
Jake Greeley (Tyabb, MPNFL)
The ex-Frankston Bombers and VFL player will add class and experience to the Yabbies side.
Daniel Harrison (Edi-Asp, MPNFL)
Joins the Eagles from Cheltenham in the SFL where he was a key defender and intercept player. At 6’5, he will be key to the Eagles’ bounce back in 2023.
Will Hayes (Euroa, Goulburn Valley)
The former AFL midfielder returns to his junior club Euroa for next season after being delisted by Carlton.
Makaio Haywood (Hampton Park, Southern)
The explosive strong bodied midfielder with an eye for a goal is a former Dandenong Stingray and joins the Redbacks as a 19-year-old from the Narre Warren.
Andrew Haining (Whitehorse Pioneers, Eastern)
Former Montrose ruckman Andrew Haining will coach the Division 3 Pioneers in a playing capacity next season. Haining tied for the Eastern league’s highest individual honour, the Chandler Medal, in 2014 as the best and fairest in the top division in a career which has taken in more than 200 matches, three Team of the Year gongs and a premiership in the second tier in 2013.
Nick Hallo (Mitcham, Eastern)
The hard-at-it midfielder joins the Division 1 Tigers from Division 2 club The Basin, where he won three consecutive best and fairest awards to go with three Team of the Year nods. He’ll be a welcome addition to a Mitcham side which contested a preliminary final this season in its first full campaign up in a higher division.
Tyrren Head (East Brighton, Southern)
Head was captain of Rye last season and is a four-time premiership player at Sorrento, as well as being a former Collingwood VFL player. Known for his running ability and intercept marking across half back.
Liam Hiscock (Edi-Asp, MPNFL)
The Frankston Dolphins VFL defender was a pillar down back and an integral part of the leadership group. He’s a vital addition to an Eagles side looking to hit back hard in ‘23.
Robert Hudson (Officer, Outer East)
The hard running midfielder/half back joins the Kangaroos from Croydon North fresh off winning a senior best and fairest. He’s a premiership player at Belgrave South in addition to winning a league best and fairest in his U/17 season.
Michael Hurley (Macleod, Northern)
It will be interesting to see how many games the recently retired AFL defender does actually play give his role with Essendon. Kangas coach Craig Hayes has already said Hurley will play up forward making him a nightmare matchup for opposition defenders.
Josh Jaska (Anglesea, Bellarine)
Has left St Mary‘s to re-join junior club Anglesea. Played in two senior flags with St Mary’s after a stint on Gold Coast’s AFL list.
Aaron Johns (Doveton, Southern)
The versatile utility brings a wealth of experience and football knowledge to Doveton. His playing career consists of playing at the Eastern Rangers in the TAC Cup, Rowville in Eastern FNC Premier Division, stints at VFL clubs Box Hill Hawks and Port Melbourne, and some country footy at Devon Meadows and Belgrave.
Chris Johnson (Berwick Springs, Outer East)
Comes across from Cora Lynn, where he was a multiple senior best and fairest winner. He will be a playing-assistant coach at the Titans to help the club grow and achieve the ultimate success. Johnson is a former Dandenong Stingray who played at Casey Scorpions VFL.
Lin Jong (Mulgrave, Eastern)
The former Western Bulldog is back where it all began. Eastern league Division 2 outfit Mulgrave has revealed the 65-game ex-AFL midfielder will play for the club next season, crossing from Northern top-tier power, Montmorency. A former junior of the club’s affiliate Glen Waverley Rovers, Jong played under-19s with Mulgrave before he was selected by the Western Bulldogs. The two-time VFL premiership player remained close friends with players at the club, spearheading his signing.
Doulton Langlands (Ormond, VAFA)
Langlands played three AFL games with St Kilda 2019 and 2020. The 23-year-old is set to be a major player in Ormond’s side this season in Premier C.
Taylor Leggate (Wantirna South, Eastern)
The Devils have welcomed back the three-time best and fairest winner following a three-year stint at Boronia. The forward/midfielder has played more than 150 matches at Wantirna South, featuring in the club’s 2014 Division 3 premiership and its Team of the Decade (2010-2019). Four times selected in Eastern league teams of the year, Leggate’s time at Boronia was marred by two Covid-interrupted seasons, playing 19 matches and kicking 27 goals.
Dean Kent (Devon Meadows, MPNFL)
Straight out of AFL footy at 28, Kent will add serious grunt to the Panthers midfield in 2023. “We needed a bit of physicality around the contest and he’ll definitely bring that,’’ Devon coach Ryan Hendy said. Kent played 100 games of AFL footy with Melbourne and St Kilda. Great pick up.
Shane McDonald (Noble Park, Eastern)
The MPNFL great crosses to the reigning top-flight premier from Bonbeach, bringing with him a glistening football CV including eight club best and fairest awards including two league medals. The one thing missing from the 36-year-old on-baller/forward’s long list of achievements? A premiership. Touted as one of the MPNFL’s greatest-ever interleague players, Noble Park coach Steve Hughes says McDonald should fill the void of retiring forward Shayne Allan as the club chases back-to-back flags.
Peter McEvoy (Bundoora, Northern)
Had previously been aligned to the Bulls since 2019 but is ready to return from the VFL on a full-time basis. Will add plenty of class and experience to a Bundoora team that is desperate for grand final redemption.
Ryan McNay (Kilsyth, Eastern)
The strong-bodied inside midfielder makes the move from Lilydale where he finished top five in the best and fairest across the past five seasons. The 25-year-old played 14 senior matches this season in the league’s Division 1, earning nine mentions in the best. He’s expected to bring leadership and experience to a young Kilsyth side which finished fourth in Division 4 this season.
Cooper McPharlane (Roxburgh Park, Essendon)
A youngster with plenty of upside who could thrive in a successful team. Arrives at the Magpies after 41 goals for strugglers Sunbury Kangaroos who have now been relegated to the third tier.
Beau Mitchener (Templestowe, Eastern)
One of the most dominant ruckmen in the Eastern league’s second tier in recent seasons will continue his footy at Porter Street next year, making the move from Lilydale. The former Eastern Ranges talent played more than 100 matches for Lilydale, taking in a best-and-fairest in 2016, six Team of the Year gongs and three top-three finishes in the division’s medal. He links up with a Dockers outfit which finished sixth in Division 2 this season, missing the finals on percentage.
Tom Murphy (Somerville, MPNFL)
The MPNFL second division club has secured defender Murphy, who played nine AFL matches for North Melbourne from 2018-2020 and turned out for Frankston Dolphins in the VFL this year and West Adelaide in the SANFL last year.
Geordie Nagle (Montrose, Eastern)
The young midfielder/defender reunites with Montrose coach Gary Ayres having played under him at Port Melbourne in 2019. He’s an exciting prospect for the Demons, having won the under-18 Sandringham Dragons’ best and fairest in 2017 before representing the VAFA at interleague under-19 level in 2019. Nagle crosses from De La Salle in the VAFA and joins a Montrose side which featured in finals for the first time in eight years this season.
Kyle Nunn (Belgrave, Outer East)
Played with Koo Wee Rup in the WGFC this season and is no stranger to Outer East football after spending a few years with Cranbourne prior to that. He is known for his speed and ability to hit the scoreboard through the midfield.
Nick O’Brien (Carngham Linton, Central Highlands)
The former Essendon player has signed with his junior club for next year. The midfielder, who also played for Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL, played for Strathmore last year in the Essendon and District Football League, winning the division 1 premiership with them.
Blake Pearson (Oakleigh District, Eastern)
The two-time league best-and-fairest will serve as District’s playing-coach next season, crossing from top-flight club Norwood. He landed at Norwood full-time following a VFL career with Port Melbourne which took in 89 matches and a premiership in 2017. The goalkicking midfielder claimed a second-consecutive Chandler Medal this season as the best and fairest in the Eastern league’s Premier Division.
Jordy Pollard (Murrumbeena, Southern)
The former VFL midfielder will boost the Beena, who are calling his arrival “one of our most exciting signings in the last decade”. Pollard is an elite playmaker who played with Sandringham Dragons followed by nearly 100 VFL games with Casey and Frankston, where he was in the leadership group and captained the senior team.
Antonio Quach (Officer, Outer East)
The skilful midfielder crosses over from Berwick where he was a premiership player and best and fairest winner at both league and club level.
Dylan Quirk (Springvale Districts, Southern)
A great pick up for Districts, with the decorated Quirk joining as playing senior assistant coach. He’s played in three senior premierships for Narre Warren, won a best and fairest, captained the club, and was an interleague representative and multiple team-of-the-year member. He crosses over after two seasons as playing senior assistant coach under Tim McGibney at Bunyip.
Corey Rich (Old Haileybury, VAFA)
Ahead of their new season in VAFA premier competition, Old Haileybury have landed Rich, a Williamstown and former Frankston VFL forward. He is set to play a key role in the forward line. He was picked in the VFL team of the year in 2018.
Fletcher Roberts (Mulgrave, Eastern)
The 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership player joins ex-AFL teammate Lin Jong at the Lions after two years with Port Melbourne in the VFL. The former Sandringham Dragon played 51 matches for the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2019, following his selection at No. 11 in the 2012 pre-season draft.
Paddy Ryder (Devon Meadows, MPNFL)
“I don’t think there’s a bigger signing in local footy, just about ever,” Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy fizzed after his club secured the former AFL Bomber, Power and Saint big man. Ryder follows St Kilda teammate Dean Kent to Devon Meadows. And he’s declared his goal next season is to win a premiership.
Callum Searle (Norwood, Eastern)
The ex-VFL midfielder/defender played for the Southport Sharks this season alongside a stint with the Waratahs in the Northern Territory league. He also boasts previous state league experience with Port Melbourne, with his aerial ability and speed touted as assets to the 187cm talent’s game.
Ryan Semmel (East Brighton, Southern)
The six-time senior best and fairest winner and renowned country footy star will boost the Vampires midfield as they look to content for the title in SFNL Division 2.
Jaxsen Shinners (Somerville, MPNFL)
The big bodied midfielder with a lethal left foot joins the Eagles after playing in a premiership with Cockburn Lakes in Perth. He also spent time at Frankston VFL and in the WAFL with East Perth.
Shylo Smith (East Sunbury, Essendon District)
Set to player a massive role in East Sunbury’s return to senior action in 2023. Has been a star of the competition before and in a lower grade should cause plenty of headaches.
Dale Sutton (Tyabb, MPNFL)
The quality midfielder makes the move to the Yabbies from Division 1 club Frankston Bombers.
Ayce Taylor, (Crib Point, MPNFL)
The former Adelaide Crows rookie is a 21-year-old athletic utility. As a teenager he played 13 games for the Northern Knights in 2019 as a defender, shutting down some of the best forwards in the NAB League.
Trent Thomas (Hampton Park, Southern)
The 24-year-old Sandringham VFL listed 188cm forward joins the Redbacks from Berwick where he was part of the 2018 senior premiership team. He also played in the 2019 Outer East representative side.
Luke Tynan (Doncaster East, Eastern)
Tynan crosses from Upper Ferntree Gully where he served as senior playing-coach from 2020 to 2022, stepping down at the end of this season.
The midfielder carved out 150 VFL matches across Casey and Port Melbourne, tying for the Borough’s 2017 best and fairest.
Lachlan Waddell (Doncaster East, Eastern)
The ex-Port Melbourne ruckman featured in the Borough’s VFL flag in 2017 and will look to fill the void of ex-AFL man Zac Clarke, who has returned to Perth. Waddell played for Geelong’s VFL side this season after a stint with Hamilton in 2021 where he won a best and fairest and made the Hampden league Team of the Year.
Matt Willcocks (Vermont, Eastern)
The dual premiership defender returns to the club following a season with Leongatha in the West Gippsland league. The centre half-back played 88 senior matches for the Eagles across six years, featuring in the 2018 and ’19 flag sides. He played in Leongatha’s premiership this season, and will be a sure boost to a Vermont side which missed the finals for the first time since 2011 this year.
Brayden Wright (Ferntree Gully, Eastern)
The Eagles have welcomed the former club junior back to the fold, with the ruckman winning reserve-grade premierships with Boronia in 2018 and ’19 to go with a runner-up finish in the best and fairest this season. His stint with the Hawks yielded 95 matches, and he’s set to combine with fellow ruckman Daniel De Ieso, who took out the Division 3 league best and fairest this season.
Sam Wright (Shepparton Swans, Goulburn Valley)
Played 136 games for North Melbourne from 2009 to 2019. Capable of playing in multiple positions, he will be handy in various roles for the Swans next year.
Josh Wynen (Belgrave, Outer East)
Has a strong footy background, crossing over from Noble Park where he has learnt from some of the best midfielders the Eastern Footy League has to offer. He is a multiple underage club best and fairest winner and will add class to the Magpies midfield.
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