Castlemaine signs two VFL players for next season

Castlemaine has already signed two star recruits, including a former GWS Giant, but coach Michael Hartley feels he is “talking to most of Victoria” to add more names.

Jake Stein, playing for the GWS Giants, has signed for Castlemaine. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

 

Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley is confident there is more recruiting to come this off-season from his club despite adding two handy players in the past week.

The Magpies have bolstered their squad for next year, signing VFL players Jake Stein and Ronnie Fejo Jr for next year.

But there is a catch for both of them joining.

Fejo Jr will play for the Magpies when he isn’t playing for Collingwood in the VFL, which means his appearances might be limited.

For Stein he will play in the second half of next season after rupturing his ACL at the end of the 2023 season when he helped Gold Coast win the VFL premiership.

Ronnie Fejo has joined Castlemaine alongside fellow VFL player Jake Stein. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

Stein, 195cm, is a key tall who played 20 games for the Giants.

“He’s taking his time (post-injury) and slowly getting that right,” Hartley said.

“Once he’s ready to go we’ll see him for a few games. He can play both ends and has played both ends at AFL level.

“He can fill a spot around the key position for us.”

And Hartley isn’t done recruiting.

He still has a few plans and targets this off-season.

“I feel like I’ve talking to most of Victoria, I’ve been pretty busy,” he said.

“I’m searching for a ruck type. Someone who is tall and can play that position.”

Hartley said the focus for his team was to add talent who could support those already at the club.

“We weren’t really going for certain positions, we are going for some elite talent,” he said.

“The past season we just focused on retaining those one pointers and get those one pointers back.

“Now that we have those boys on board again we’re looking for talent.”

Hartley said the focus was on making finals as the team looks to improve again.

But he wasn’t worried about the expectations outside of the club the team might make it.

“We’re always aiming to play in September, that’s for sure,” he said.

“I don’t know if there is pressure. We’re going to come out and give it a red hot crack.

“If we make finals, it’s fantastic, but if not we’ll just look to get better.”