Bundoora confident it has the personnel to replace Matthew Dennis

NFL power Bundoora is confident it has the personnel to replace Matthew Dennis but has downplayed making a big splash on the transfer market.

Bundoora is confident it has the personnel to replace superstar big man Matthew Dennis.

After a decorated nine years, Dennis will depart the Bulls for a stint with Tasmanian outfit Bracknell in 2021.

It leaves the NFL Division 1 club with a massive hole at the heart of midfield but coach Michael Ryan believes a young gun and new recruit can help fill the void.

“You’re never going to replace a Matty Dennis with the decorated career he’s had at Bundoora,” Ryan said.

“It’s a shame to lose him but he goes with our full blessing and hopefully we see him back in 2022.

Matt Dennis in action for Bundoora. Picture: Ian Currie

“It presents a really good opportunity for Joel Grace to step up and take over the ruck mantle, along with Hamish Shepheard.

“We’re confident in that space that we’ll have support with Joel and Hamish, who we brought across at the end of 2019.”

Grace is a former Northern Knights product who represented Vic Metro at the 2017 Under-18 National Championships.

In 15 NAB League games for the Knights Grace averaged 8.5 disposals, two marks, 3.4 tackles and 17.2 hitouts a game.

The 200cm ruckman has had limited senior football at Bundoora due to Dennis’ presence, playing five Division 1 matches in 2019 and 16 in the reserves.

“Joel is 21, played NAB League footy with the Northern Knights and was played Vic Metro at under-16 and under-18s as well,” Ryan said.

“He’s obviously got plenty of talent but he’s probably been starved of opportunity to take the lead ruck role because he’s sitting behind someone as good as Matt Dennis.

“By no means is that a reflection of Joel as a ruckman, he’s just been a victim of circumstance.”

Hamish Shepheard will be a key man for Bundoora. Picture Mike Batterham

Shepheard arrives at Yulong Reserve after spending 2019 with VAFA club Old Ivanhoe.

The 195cm ruck-forward was AFL-listed by Fremantle and had stints at state league clubs Subiaco (WAFL), Southport (NEAFL) and Sandringham (VFL).

The Bulls have now lost Dennis and fellow club great Gary Moorcroft in the past 12 months.

Both played in the 2011, 2013 and 2017 premierships and have won three league best-and-fairests and two league goalkicking awards respectively.

However, Ryan was comfortable with the club’s experience but downplayed rumours of the club making a big splash in the transfer market.

“If we’re fortunate enough that someone reaches out and wants to come across then we’re definitely not going to knock it back,” he said.

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“It probably gives us a bit of flexibility if someone does come across then we’ll be in a better position to bring them onboard.

“We’re led beautifully by our leadership group; Nipper Marshall is going into his ninth season as captain, Luke Collins is on board, Nathan Thomas, Ben Young, Brendan Carlyon, so we think we’ve got plenty of great role models.

“At the same time we’ve got some good emerging leaders coming through in Jesse King, Bailey Thompson and Kyle Green.

“Kain Proctor and Jai Burns are really important as well with their training standards and behaviour, how they go about their footy.”