All the latest rumours from across Melbourne’s local footy competitions

An ex-AFL star has moved homes and clubs in the local area have the cheque book out while some of his former teammates might link up together in country footy. That and more in the Rumour Mill.

Robbie Gray is a man in demand. Photo: Roy VanDerVegt

The local footy silly season is here.

The rumours are in motion and will only gather pace in the coming weeks and months before round 1.

Without further ado, keep up to date with all the whispers in Leader Local Footy’s Rumour Mill.

ROBBIE IN DEMAND

We hear several clubs in Melbourne’s southeast have made big plays for Port Adelaide champion Robbie Gray. The 36-year-old is living down that way and, despite some juicy offers, it seems — for now anyway — he’s happy to stay retired.

EX-LEAGUE MAN’S BOOZE BAN

Former Adelaide Crow Jordan Gallucci certainly has made an impact at his new club Edithvale-Aspendale in the Mornington Peninsula league. Apart from training the house down, and looking fit enough he could play AFL tomorrow, the 26-year-old hasn’t had a drop of alcohol in nearly three months. “He’s a weapon,’’ one Edi-Asp on-looker declared. “It’s unbelievable to have someone like that come in, especially at 26, he’s still in his prime.’’

THE POWER TO WIN

One country club could become the Port Adelaide of northern Victoria this season. A high profile recruit at the club, from the Power, has been rumoured to be on the phone to multiple former Port players for one-off or a couple of appearances for the year. Watch this space.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

Some clubs simply can’t compete with the money which their neighbours might offer. It’s proven to be the case for some clubs this off-season. One source closed to the Rumour Mill crew suggested around $500 a game was an offer to one young man who had only played a handful of senior games.

STAR SIGNING IMMINENT

Hearing an Eastern league club captain is set to be unveiled as a new signing at a Mornington Peninsula league club. The man has also played VFL. His arrival could make his new club a genuine contender in 2025.

SOFT TISSUE ISSUE

A prized recruit out of one club is already in cotton wool after reportedly pulling a hamstring. The severity is understood to be on the minor side but the club is sure to be cautious.

BOOKED IN

A southeast club has enrolled two of its star recruits into pilates and yoga classes. Both lads were plagued by hamstring injuries last season, so the club reckons a bit more muscle flexibility and strength will lead to more game time — and bang for the club’s buck.

SA RUMOUR MILL CONTAINS MORE BIG NAMES

The Rumour Mill is not just constrained to Victorian borders. Over in South Australia the local footy Rumour Mill is also in overdrive featuring ex-AFL names such as Shane Edwards, Troy Menzel, Tex Wanganeen, Jarryd Lyons and Riley Bonner. Check it out.