EDFL 2019: Campbell Wearne signs on at Essendon Doutta Stars

A VFL prospect has put pen to paper with Essendon Doutta Stars in a significant acquisition for the EDFL Premier Division club.

Essendon Doutta Stars have boosted their line-up. Pictures: Jamie Morey.

VFL prospect Campbell Wearne has put pen to paper with Essendon Doutta Stars in a significant acquisition for the EDFL Premier Division club.

The young midfielder crosses from QAFL outfit Morningside after a stellar 2018, during which he was named in his former team’s best players eight times from 14 games.

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While Stars coach Kyle Hardingham said what Wearne could deliver was a “bit of an unknown”, his ability is not in question and he will give valuable support to reigning best and fairest Jordan Schroder and Tom Wallis in the middle of the ground.

“We got a recommendation to have a chat to him, which we did,” Hardingham said

“Looking through his past … it really looks like he’s that in-and-under mid that we’re after, so we’re just looking for that hard mid that will provide a bit of help to our other midfielders.

“As soon as we heard he was down this way, we made it our mission to firstly touch base with him and see what he wants out of footy.

“Getting to VFL is one of his aspirations. We really feel we can help him — and me personally as well — achieve that dream by working closely with him throughout the year.

“From all reports, he’s a bit of a bull and loves to win his own ball.”

Gun forward Alex Boyse has signed on after a stint with Essendon’s VFL side, while defender Noah Khan has also crossed Whitehorse Pioneers.

The Stars have retained all their key players after winning three of their last six matches following a 12-game losing run to escape relegation in 2018.

Hardingham has replaced Dean Wallis at the helm after arriving from Pascoe Vale.

“The most positive part has just been the buy-in from the group,” he said.

“Being a new coach and setting new standards … they’re all willing to learn and want to get better and improve on last year.

“Hopefully with a few of these new recruits and the list we’ve got, we can really improve and step forward into this season.”

The Stars will face promoted Airport West in the opening round on April 6.