EDFL 2020: Roxburgh Park to take fight for Brad Dimech to AFL Victoria

Roxburgh Park expects Brad Dimech to be representing the EDFL club this season despite having three clearance requests blocked in November. The latest HERE.

Brad Dimech, pictured during his days at Westmeadows, is hoping to return to Roxburgh Park. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Roxburgh Park will take its fight to regain star midfielder Brad Dimech to AFL Victoria.

The best-and-fairest winner had three clearance requests blocked by Mernda during the November transfer window, with the NFL club vowing to hold him to his contract.

Dimech has spent the past two seasons with the Demons and last represented the Magpies in the EDFL in 2016, claiming the club’s top individual award.

The 21-year-old also won Mernda’s best-and-fairest in 2019, finished fourth in the league award and was named in the NFL Division 3 Team of the Year.

Roxburgh Park coach Micheal Farrelly said the young gun was keen to test himself in Division 1 and remained intent on returning to his junior club.

Roxburgh Park coach Micheal Farrelly. Picture: Jamie Morey

“We’re a bit puzzled as to why he’s not being let go,” Farrelly said.

“Brad wants to return home, play at a higher level and play with friends, he doesn’t owe the club (Mernda) any money. There’s no reason really for them to hold him there, especially if he doesn’t want to be there.

“We’ll take it to the appeal … and we’re more than confident he’ll be a Magpie this year.”

Mernda coach Robert Fletcher – a premiership mentor at Jacana – declared last month: “He’s either playing footy at Mernda or having a year off footy.”

It is believed Dimech has one season remaining on a two-year contract with the Demons.

While he is yet to get the green light to join the Magpies, he would be a significant acquisition as they look to climb the ladder in their second season in Division 1.

MORE NEWS FROM THE EDFL

LATEST ON JACANA’S BID TO TAKE THE FIELD IN 2020

EAST KEILOR COACH’S HIGH PRAISE FOR PLAYERS

COACH’S FRANK MESSAGE FOR SUNBURY KANGAROOS

ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS MAY KEY FORWARD ADDITIONS

NECK INJURY FORCES GLENROY STAR TO RETIRE

MARIBYRNONG PARK LOCKS IN FIVE SIGNINGS FOR 2020

“He’s a star. He fits in with the boys really well and he brings us something we don’t have, which is just pure aggression at the footy,” Farrelly said.

“He’s a young kid, but he’s built like he’s 26, 27. He’s a really strong lad.

“If he can give our boys first use, especially these young kids on the outside, he’s going to be really key to us.

“He’s coming to us for less money and he genuinely wants to play at a higher level and with his mates.

“You can see he’s keen to come home and hungry to play good footy. He’s trained the house down over summer.”

Roxburgh Park has enjoyed a fruitful off-season after winning three games in Division 1 last season following its 2018 Division 2 flag.

Former Broadford captain Matt Coomans has signed on as a playing assistant coach and will boost the midfield, while utility and ex-Northern Saints skipper Daniel Boudoloh has arrived from Southern league club Hampton Park, where he featured in a premiership last season.

Midfielder Nathan Reichelt has crossed from Division 1 premier Craigieburn, where he played seven senior games last year.

Farrelly said Jack Elliott, Luke Capuano and Tom Baker had been standouts on the training track, with the club in a good position to improve.

“In my time at Roxy, this is by far the best pre-season we’ve had,” he said.

“We’ve got a really young list … and they know what it takes, so they’ve been a lot more driven this year than they were last year, just because they knew it was going to be a step up (to Division 1) last season, but didn’t know how much of a step up.

“Now they’ve had a taste of it. Last year we surprised sides, and I don’t think we’ll be classified as a surprise anymore. They’re (opposition sides) are probably expecting us to be better.”

The Magpies will face Taylors Lakes in Round 1 on April 4.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.