Country footy: Ballarat Football Netball League clubs unveil new recruits

Ballarat league clubs have left no stone unturned to improve their lists for 2023 with a number of ex-AFL and VFL players signing across the competition. Here’s the latest.

Football GFL: Bell Park v Newtown & Chilwell . Bell Park 1 Luke Goetz and Newtown & Chilwell 20 Blake Reid Picture: Mark Wilson

Ballarat Football Netball League clubs have been busy in the off-season as teams look to get ahead in the premiership race.

A number of players have already found new homes for 2023.

Here are all of the moves announced so far.

Cody Brand, Sunbury

Cody Brand didn’t take long to find a new club after being delisted by Essendon this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The former Essendon AFL draftee returns to Sunbury after being delisted by the Bombers at the end of this year. Brand played VFL football for Essendon during his time at the club. It’s unclear if Brand comes back permanently or for part of the season but the key defender will play games for the Lions this year. His father is Sunbury great Ashley Brand.

Stewart Crameri, North Ballarat

Stewart Crameri has joined North Ballarat for next year. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

The former Western Bulldogs, Essendon and Geelong AFL player has joined North Ballarat for next year. The key forward kicked 171 goals in more than 100 AFL games. He hasn’t played much in recent years with Crameri last playing for Maryborough in 2019.

Matt Denham, Darley

Denham moves to Darley with plenty of Ballarat league experience. The midfielder is a premiership winner with Bacchus Marsh and has also played for Melton. He’ll be looking to get on the park next year after only playing two games in the past three years.

Josiah Garisto, Sunbury

Avondale Heights player Josiah Garisto (left) has joined Sunbury. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The first player signed by Sunbury this off-season, Garisto joins from Avondale Heights in the Essendon District Football League. A defender who has had VFL experience, Garisto can intercept mark and also rebound from defence. He can also play as a key defender.

Luke Goetz, Bacchus Marsh

Luke Goetz (left) is heading to Bacchus Marsh. Picture: Mark Wilson

The former Western Bulldogs AFL rookie joins the Cobras for next year. Goetz has played for three VFL clubs, Footscray, Essendon and Carlton and will improve the ruck stocks at Bacchus Marsh. He can also kick a goal or two and will be a key asset.

Phil Hoyland, Melton South 

Hoyland joins the Ballarat side after playing in the Riddell District league for the Western Rams. He played 14 games this year for the club. Hoyland has also played for Bacchus Marsh and Melton.

Rivva Karpany, Sunbury

Karpany joins the Lions after playing for Coburg in the VFL and Port Adelaide in the SANFL during his career. A left footer, who knows how to kick a goal, he will help Sunbury in attack next year.

Nicholas Kelson, Redan

Kelson joins the Lions after playing for Minyip Murtoa in the Wimmera league, where he won a premiership. Kelson played more than 150 games for the club. The new Redan recruit is capable of playing in the midfield and forward line.

Billy Myers, Darley

Billy Myers returns home to Darley. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Darley junior returns to the club after playing in the VFL with Williamstown since 2014. Myers made more than 100 appearances and kicked more than 40 goals for the Seagulls. He joins the Devils permanently in 2023 and is a versatile player capable of playing in multiple positions.

Callan Wellings, Ballarat Swans

Wellings has joined the Ballarat Swans for next season. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The former Collingwood VFL player joins last season’s preliminary finalist. Wellings, a halfback or half-forward, played most of the 2022 season for the Pies and is expected to play a full season for the Swans next year.