Ballarat league clubs get busy in the recruiting market

Recruiting is in full swing in the Ballarat Football Netball League. Here are the latest moves from across the competition.

Ballarat league clubs have been busy in the off-season getting prepared for the new season, which starts in just over two months.

From ex-AFL players to sons of guns all clubs have been on the hunt for talent to rise up the ladder.

It follows a busy start to the summer where clubs signed an array of talent.

Here is an updated list of the latest recruits as clubs close in on the new season.

Ben Archard is returning to Melton. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Ben Archard, Melton

Archard returns to Melton after playing for the Cohuna Kangaroos and for Essendon’s VFL side. He was on the Bombers Covid top up list last season. The ruckman is a valuable addition to the premiers, he’s won two-time club best-and-fairests and helped the Bloods make the grand final in 2018. He’ll play when he isn’t lining up for the Bombers.

Matt Smith-Bye, Bacchus Marsh

Smith-Bye returns to the Ballarat league after playing for Ballan last year. He is a former Melton South player who is hard at the ball in the midfield.

Jesse Clark, Sebastopol

The centre halfback joins the Burras from Werribee and will play for the club alongside his VFL commitments for the Tigers. He will be out for the first half of the year after suffering an ACL injury last year.

Jay Dahlhaus, playing for Southern Districts in the NTFL, has signed for a Ballarat club. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

Jay Dahlhaus, Sebastopol

The cousin of AFL premiership player Luke Dahlhaus joins Sebastopol from Werribee in the VFL. Similar to Clark, he will play when he is not featuring for the Tigers. Dahlhaus, like his cousin, is a half-forward, small forward, who likes to kick a goal. He will be a handy addition to the club.

Tyrell Lafituanai has signed with Melton South from St Kilda City. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Tyrell Lafituanai, Melton South

A New Zealand and Samoan international who finished in the top-three in St Kilda City’s best-and-fairest. A talented player who also dabbled with rugby league and rugby union during his career.

Liam Latch, Sebastopol

Latch comes to the Burras after being one of the standouts for Maryborough last year in the Bendigo league. The midfielder trained with Williamstown in the VFL late last year.

Jake Long has joined the Cobras after playing AFL for Essendon. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

Jake Long, Bacchus Marsh

The son of a gun will be playing for the Cobras this season. Long, the son of former Essendon great Michael, comes to the club after playing for the Bombers in the VFL and AFL. He made five appearances in the AFL and more than 80 in the VFL. The midfielder is currently at Collingwood and will play for the Cobras when he isn’t playing for the Pies.

Jake McCreery is playing for Bacchus Marsh after playing in South Australia for a few years. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

Jake McCreery, Bacchus Marsh

The former South Adelaide SANFL player joins the Cobras after playing for Cove in SA last season. He is a former reserves best-and-fairest with the Panthers and has played in the Northern Territory too. McCreery is a midfielder who is capable of kicking a goal.

Ayden Reilly, Melton South

A midfielder who played for St Kilda City in the Southern league and Sandringham in the NAB League. Melton South says he will be suited to the bigger grounds in the competition.

Cassius White, Melton South

The utility joins the Panthers from Hillside in the Essendon District league. A half forward/wingman who has speed to burn and is capable of kicking a goal or two.