All the latest local footy rumours ahead of clearance deadline

As the deadline to find a new club looms, local footballers are being linked with moves right across the state. Plus, the former Hawk who kicked a stunning goal out of the ruck. See it all here.

The rumour mill is heating up as the clearance deadline nears.

Here at Quick Kicks we look at the lighter side of local footy.

Whether it be a funny exchange, a good stat or an action that’s laughed about after the game — it’s all here.

DENIED

Banyule has put the stops on NFNL Division 1 rival West Preston-Lakeside poaching a second of its players mid-season – for now at least. The Bears have already lost Arben Dani to the Roosters but declined Daniel Costanzo’s requested clearance. There’s still plenty of time before the deadline if West wants to try again.

GOOD LUCK CHARM

Ryan Sizeland made the move from Diamond Creek to NFNL Division 2 rival Panton Hill last week. He made his Redbacks debut against his old mates on Saturday and no doubt copped a few good sledges. However, Sizeland had the last laugh as Panton Hill pulled off an epic upset over the previously undefeated ladder-leader.

COSTLY TRIP

There’s a story going around about a certain local coach who was running late to a game. It seems in his haste he collected not one but two speeding fines.

STOP THAT BIG FELLA

Former Hawthorn ruckman Clay Tucker has proven exactly why he was on the Hawks’ AFL list with one of the goals of the season at local level. Playing for South Belgrave in the Eastern league, Tucker contested a centre bounce against his Montrose opponent on the weekend, with both big fellas missing the ball. As the ball hit the ground, Tucker pounced, collected the ball, took a bounce before running to the edge of 50 and kicking a remarkable goal. We don’t see many big fellas doing that.

COACHING SWITCH

There’s rumours about that a highly credentialed coach is eyeing a return to the MPNFL next season. One to keep an eye on.

A BIG IN LOOMING?

A look at the Essendon District league clearance list reveals a couple of names are being linked with returns to their former clubs. Omar Saad has a pending clearance to West Coburg from Newport. It would be a huge in for the ladder leading Burgers after Saad booted 60 goals last season.

KLEIN’S OUTBACK PETROL PANIC

Young Pines player Ollie Klein’s four-wheel drive adventure took an interesting twist over the long weekend. He packed his car, got everything set, drove to the high country...but forgot one thing — petrol. He had to walk to a nearby farm and ended up staying there until the friendly folk could get him to a servo and fill a jerry can.

NEED TO COOL OFF

We all get frustrated and angry during a game of footy. Sometimes you just have to cool off. Some might throw a water bottle or swear loudly. One player took a different approach. After dropping a soda chest mark and then getting pinged holding the ball after picking up the spill, he dragged himself from the ground. Once off, he went for a stroll down the street. Reportedly, with only three blokes on the bench, the coaches were in a panic that they had too many players on the ground until the calmed down young fella returned ready to go again. As it turned out, the team had a win too to cap the day.

GOALKICKING PRACTICE

There might be some extras at training this week at Romsey Park. In the past two games Romsey has kicked a wayward 15.47. The Redbacks got away with one in Round 8, beating Melton Centrals despite kicking 8.26 but they got stung on Saturday, losing to Kyneton after scoring 7.21. And these weren’t rushed behinds or tough shots from the boundary, kicks were missing from 30m out basically right in front. Word from Kyneton, which also struggled for accuracy, is the ball was a bit dodgy.

GETTING THE BAND TOGETHER

Steven Motlop will head north to join his former teammate Tom Clurey for a one-off game. Motlop will join Clurey at his junior club Katamatite in the Picola District league on June 28 against Berrigan. The duo will hold a sportsman’s lunch as well and play in the match. Both played for Port Adelaide for five years from 2018 to 2022.

BLUES WIN, HEWITT BANKS

Hastings’ big day at Seaford got better and better on Saturday. Not only did the Blues upset the Tigers in the MPFNL Division 2 tilt, but they also took the top prize in the after-game draw, with Jake Hewitt winning $500 cash — and walking out with a grin from ear to ear.