EDFL 2021: Essendon Doutta Stars sign Brady Rowles and James Harrold
Essendon Doutta Stars have secured two important signings as they look to recover from several key departures.
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Essendon Doutta Stars have secured some much-needed experience after an off-season of change.
The Essendon District Football League Premier Division club has signed former Sydney rookie Brady Rowles and ex-WAFL player James Harrold as it moves closer to settling its senior squad.
It is uncertain if the duo will be VFL-listed in 2021, with Harrold joining Box Hill for the cancelled 2020 campaign, while Rowles was delisted by the Swans last year.
Stars coach Paul Barnard said the pair were versatile and could thrive in the midfield or in the defensive half.
“The club’s really pleased about where it’s positioned,” Barnard said.
“Given the times we’ve just witnessed, there are a lot of guys who are the transient type for all different reasons.
“We’ve purposely gone out and targeted four or five guys we think can fill the void.
“Some of them are on VFL lists, but the majority will be with us for the year.
“We’ve got a very young list, so adding some experience in there really gives them some on-field leadership and coaching while the game is unfolding. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Former Stars coach Kyle Hardingham has moved to live in Western Australia, while ex-skipper Jordan Rogers has gone to Queensland.
Tom Wallis (Echuca United) and Bruno Laguda (East Keilor) have also moved on, along with 2020 recruits Dylan Landt (Glenelg), Josef Hebiton (Perth Football League), Liam McKenna (North Shore), James Peters (Aberfeldie) and Ned Gentile (Airport West).
But the Stars have also gained Gavin Urquhart, who played 41 games for North Melbourne over five years at the elite level.
Barnard said the half-back/midfielder was a “super signing”.
“He’s virtually going to be an assistant coach on field and will give some direction to our young defenders and midfielders,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a coup for us. He will impart his knowledge to help me and the coaching staff really define the roles for our younger guys and letting them evolve over the seasons ahead.”
The Stars finished seventh with a 5-13 record in 2019 and are looking to climb the ladder.
Barnard said he had been impressed with his players’ dedication on the training track.
“I can’t question their commitment and application,” he said.
“A pretty robust and challenging program has been put together, and so far, so good.
“They’re really embracing the change of coach. This is an adjustment period from Hardingham to myself, but we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’ll apply a few layers across what they already know.
“We’ve got a lot of education to do with a young list, but that’s exciting for me and that’s why I took the job.”
The Stars will face promoted Craigieburn in Round 1 on April 10.
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