Ex-Tiger makes Gippsland footy switch

A Gippsland footy club has landed an unexpected recruit who had previously signed with another country club in the Sunraysia.

Former Richmond player Derek Eggmolesse-Smith will join Gippsland league club Sale after originally planning to play for another country football club.

Last September, Sunraysia club Merbein announced it had lured Eggmolesse-Smith back to the region where he previously played before joining Richmond and playing nine senior AFL matches between 2018-21.

He was also a member of Richmond’s 2019 VFL flag-winning team.

Derek Eggmolesse-Smith in action for Richmond in 2021. Picture: Michael Klein

But due to personal circumstances changing after committing to Merbein, Eggmolesse-Smith decided to move to Gippsland and Sale pounced.

“We had some initial discussions a couple of months ago and there was no pressure put on Derek,” Sale football director Sam Anstee said.

“But he came to the conclusion that he wanted to relocate and we jumped at the opportunity.

“We submitted a transfer request today and expect that to be approved whenever (Merbein) can do it.

“He will be full time with us from early March, living and employed in the area.

“We’re pretty happy to bring a player of that standing into the football club.

“We will wrap our arms around Derek and his partner as much as we can.

“It definitely helps that his partner has got some family in our area.

“We’ve had open and honest conversations with Merbein and they’ve been really good to deal with.”

Derek Eggmolesse-Smith played nine senior matches for Richmond between 2018 to 2021. Picture: Sarah Reed

Last year he played with Point Cook in the Western Region Football League after a stint with Collingwood’s VFL side a year earlier.

Sale made the Gippsland league grand final in 2022 and lost to Leongatha before dipping to fifth last year.

Its major departures are Kane Martin, Cooper Whitehill and Jayden Allison, who have all joined Sale City in the North Gippsland league.

But it regained Jack McLinden, Thomas Glenn and Jesse Collins, who were at the club in 2022.

“Everyone who finished top-10 in our best and fairest last year is staying,” Anstee said.

Originally published as Ex-Tiger makes Gippsland footy switch