EDFL 2021 clearances: All the latest player movements

There has been no shortage of action since transfers re-opened ahead of the 2021 season, with several ex-AFL and VFL players joining EDFL clubs.

Heath Shaw has put pen to paper with East Keilor in a recruiting coup. Picture: Josie Hayden

Essendon District Football League clubs have been busy bolstering their lists ahead of the first bounce next month.

Amid cuts to the salary cap, transfer action in the weeks leading up to the new season was expected to be quieter than usual.

It has been anything but, with several big names putting pen to paper with EDFL clubs.

While some moves have been previously reported, we’ve wrapped up all the significant clearances to have come through in recent weeks.

PREMIER DIVISION

2019 premier Keilor has been the big winner since the transfer window re-opened in February, adding former AFL-listed trio Andrew Browne, Patrick Veszpremi and Corey Ellis (who has signed with Coburg in the VFL).

Adam Dunkley, the cousin of Western Bulldogs star Josh, has also joined the Blues, along with ex-VFL listed player Kyle O’Connor and Owen King, who bagged seven goals in a WRFL game in 2019.

Patrick Veszpremi is a big inclusion for Keilor. Picture: Josie Hayden

Strathmore, which has lost preliminary finals in the past two seasons, has secured the return of premiership players Adam Winter and Matt Knight.

Winter has spent the past three seasons at Glenroy and remains a force in the attacking half, while Knight was best afield for the Mores in the 2014 EDFL grand final.

2020 recruits James Sullivan and Jesse Johnson have departed.

Aberfeldie has welcomed 2019 Morrish Medal winner and Werribee VFL-listed defender Lucas Rocci, while Coburg’s Tye Browning has joined the powerhouse from Craigieburn.

Former AFL-listed player Toby Pink, a key recruit last year, has moved on.

There has been no shortage of movement at Essendon Doutta Stars, with Gavin Urquhart, Brady Rowles, James Harrold and James El Moussalli all bringing AFL or VFL experience.

Gavin Urquhart played 41 games for North Melbourne at the top level.

On the negative side, they will be without ex-skipper Jordan Rogers, star midfielder Tom Wallis and VFL premiership player Mitch Jensen, while 2020 recruits Liam McKenna and Josef Hebiton are also gone.

Division 1 league best-and-fairest winner Tyson Young has put pen to paper with Greenvale in a boost after several years at Airport West, while VFL prospect Wade Derksen is also on board.

Tyson Young has crossed from Airport West to Greenvale. Picture: Hamish Blair

Avondale Heights have added former Carlton backman Harrison Macreadie as an aligned player, along with Nathan Croft, James Collingridge and Aaron Gundry, while Jake Edwards has departed.

Former VFL ruckman Michael Sikora is Pascoe Vale’s headline inclusion, while Daniel Sharrock has exited.

Maribyrnong Park has waved goodbye to Cooper Page and Rhys Mutch, while promoted Craigieburn continues to lose senior regulars, with premiership trio Jesse Davies, Steven Boyall and Corey Viani exiting.

But the Eagles have gained Rowen Pickett, who bagged 23 goals from 15 games for Heathmere in 2019.

DIVISION 1

The transfer for former star AFL defender Heath Shaw to join East Keilor has dropped, with coach Pat Christofi expecting the former Collingwood and GWS defender to be available for 14 games.

The Cougars have lost Nick Grabowski, who has linked with Banyule.

Roxburgh Park locked in a big signing of its own, landing Magpies premiership player Ben Johnson, who played 235 games over 14 years at the elite level and established himself as a reliable performance in defence and through the midfield.

Ben Johnson during his AFL days at Collingwood.

Classy duo Raaf Rachrache and Matt Patane have also moved to Roxburgh Park after stints at Hillside.

Former VFL-listed player Muhammad Saad headlines Airport West’s ins, while Ned Gentile has also returned.

Young and Koolyn Briggs are losses of note, while Zak Saad has requested a clearance which was denied.

Nathan Caldone and Nick Agnello have returned to Rupertswood for the club’s first season in the EDFL after featuring in Sunbury Kangaroos’ 2019 Division 2 flag.

The Kangaroos have signed champion forward Saad Saad, who kicked almost 900 goals for Seymour in the Goulburn Valley league, and experienced big man Ferras Merhi.

Westmeadows have lost 2020 signings Merhi and Belal Abou-Eid, but coach Mo Kaakour is pleased with the senior squad the club has assembled.

DIVISION 2

Oak Park has strengthened its side with the acquisition of talented midfielder/defender Ryan Smith from Warrnambool and District league side Timboon Demons.

Experienced pair Blair Cronin and Travis Anderson have also returned from stint at Tullamarine.

Blair Cronin has returned to Oak Park. Picture: Jamie Morey

Moonee Valley has put in a clearance to gain Nick Sim from rival Coburg Districts, while 2020 signing Phil Lobb is looking to move on.

Hadfield has lost its leading ruckman Brandon Smith, who finished runner-up in the club’s best-and-fairest award in 2018.

Hayden Wright has left Coburg Districts without playing a game after he was the Lions’ top recruit for the cancelled 2020 campaign.