EDFL: Burnside Heights welcome trio of big name recruits

Burnside Heights has added a raft of experience to boost its young list including a former SANFL player, reigning league best-and-fairest and a forward who kicked 100 goals last season.

Daniel Hovey has a new club. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Burnside Heights look set to be one of the EDFL’s big improvers in 2024.

The Bears have made their mark in the off-season with several impressive recruits who will provide valuable experience to Cole Harvey’s young group.

Reigning Northern league Division 3 best-and-fairest Lachlan Evans headlines the haul as he makes the move from Heidelberg West.

Evans won the medal last season after a dominant season in the ruck, polling 31 votes for the season.

Joining him in the big man department will be Daniel Hovey who crosses from the Western Region Football League.

Hovey arrives fresh off a dominant premiership season with the Suns also winning the league medal and Division 3 goalkicking with 105 majors during the home-and-away season.

Ex-SANFL talent Jaydon Stiles is also back in metro footy after signing on from Merrigum in the Kyabram District league where he booted 35 goals in 13 games for the Dogs last season.

While the moves haven’t officially been posted on Burnside’s social media channels, the EDFL confirmed on Thursday that clearances had been lodged by the trio.

Other players to have requested moves on the opening day of the clearance window were Nicholas Cugliari who played seven games for local rivals Hillside last season.

Andrej Krunic has also requested a move from the Sharks.

Brandon Brunalli (Melton Centrals), Ryhan Thomas (Williamstown CYMS) and Brock Goldsworthy (Talbot) are the others seeking fresh starts with the Bears.

Burnside Heights opens its season against Hadfield in a stand-alone Friday night clash at home on April 12.