Local Footy: Ex-Port Adelaide defender Joel Garner links with Wandin

Former Port Adelaide back Joel Garner has returned to Wandin where it all began, as he sets his sights on another shot at the big-time.

He’s back where it all began.

Ex-Port Adelaide defender Joel Garner has landed in Melbourne’s suburban football scene, linking with Outer East top division club Wandin where he played as a junior.

He’ll pull on the Wandin guernsey when not in the VFL next season, having also linked with Footscray as he chases a second crack at the AFL dream.

The former Eastern Ranges talent and ex-Vic Metro skipper spent four years at Alberton Oval after his pick No. 60 selection at the 2017 national draft. He played four matches across 2018 to 2021 before he was delisted at the end of this season.

Joel Garner has landed back at Wandin where it all began. Picture: Sarah Reed

Wandin senior coach Nick Adam said the club had been bullish about securing the 22-year-old’s signature, who also played underage footy with Scotch College and would have attracted plenty of interest from local clubs.

“Once the AFL (delisting) and the draft had occurred, we were really confident that he was going to prioritise Wandin over other local clubs and it was just how that fitted in with VFL footy,” Adam said.

“He’s wearing a Bulldogs jumper all year no matter what side he’s playing for.”

Joel Garner enjoys his first game and first win. Picture: Sarah Reed

Garner never forgot where he came from according to Adam, even after relocating interstate to play for the Power.

“We’d see him regularly, particularly at the juniors,” Adam said.

“He’s grown up playing at the football club and his future father-in-law has been heavily involved in the junior club as well.

“Whenever Joel was in Melbourne, it would be odd not to see him up at Clegg Rd at some point over the course of that weekend.”

Adam has no doubts that the ex-AFL defender will be one of the best talents running around in the Outer East competition next season.

“He’s going back to VFL with the mindset that he wants to put his best foot forward to get redrafted,” Adam said.

“But he’s a really professional athlete and he’s going into 2022 with that (professional) mindset, so when we get him it’s of benefit to us as he’s going to be one of the better footballers in the competition.”

It’s been a busy off-season of recruiting for the Bulldogs.

They recently secured Garner’s brother, Todd, a former Eastern Ranges on-baller and junior product of Wandin.

They’ve also signed one-time Sydney Swans rookie Cody Hirst and ex-VFL on-baller Chayce Black.

Lilydale junior product Cody Hirst in action for the Eastern Ranges in 2018. Picture: Quinn Rooney/AFL Media/Getty Images

Hirst will play with the Bulldogs when Carlton VFL commitments permit, while Black has joined full-time, after a stint with Box Hill and Eastern league Premier Division club Rowville.

Hirst’s brother Daniel is a premiership player at Wandin, while Black’s grandfather is a stalwart of the club.

The Bulldogs finished eighth this season with a 1-7 record, and Adam admitted they needed to go out and recruit – but said the added bonus was having all of them already heavily invested in the club.

“We were really conscious that we needed to improve our list and we’ve been able to add some really good footballers,” he said.

“While we’ve been able to bring good footballers to the club, there’s been a connection with them all.”