Darren Minchington to play with De La Salle in 2021

Yet another former league player makes the amateurs his footballing home for 2021.

Darren Minchington takes possession for the Saints.

The list of former AFL players joining the VAFA lengthens by the week.

Clever former St Kilda and Hawthorn midfielder Darren Minchington is the latest ex-league man to link with the amateurs, joining De La Salle.

It’s another coup for De La, which a few weeks ago appointed Melbourne AFLW coach Mick Stinear as its head of football.

“He’ll slice it up,’’ one rival coach said today after learning Minchington would be joining Premier B.

The right-footer arrives at De La Salle after two years at Hawthorn, where he played four senior games.

He had previously had 28 matches with the Saints after being drafted from the Dandenong Stingrays in the 2012 rookie draft.

De La beat a number of clubs to the signature of Minchington, who is living on the Mornington Peninsula.

“A tough, goal kicking forward and midfielder, Darren has all the attributes to make a big impact in the VAFA,’’ the club said.

“His presence is sure to add some genuine class to what we are sure will be a very competitive playing group in 2021.

“As expected competition for a player of Darren’s quality is fierce so we are thrilled he has chosen to make De La Salle his home. Ex-AFL players do not just land on our doorstep and significant efforts were made behind scenes to secure employment. We are grateful to those involved, particularly Tom McMahon, for making this happen.’’

Darren Minchington the Hawk.

It’s believed Old Haileybury was particularly keen but the De La Salle was able to secure him employment in the waste management industry.

The club had already secured former North Melbourne VFL player and Collegians star Fraser Cameron as it prepares for the 2021 Premier B season under returning coach Dave Madigan.

Madigan steered De La to a grand final in 2009 and a preliminary final in 2010 before going on to roles at Box Hill Hawks and Knox, which he took to a premiership in 2017.

Stinear is a former De La player and his role will entail coach mentoring, player development and club leadership across the men’s, women’s and junior teams.

“We are rapt to have Mick on board with his experience, leadership, insight and passion for all things De La,’’ president Matt O’Callaghan said.

“Mick’s coaching experience at AFLW and TAC Cup will stand the club in great stead as we embark on our goals for the 2021 season. That Mick is a past player and school captain is an added bonus for the club.’’

Stinear was a development coach at Melbourne in 2016-2020 and head coach of the Oakleigh Chargers from 2014-16.