EDFL: Clubs target country footy and NAB League stars
An EDFL premier has made a big statement on the recruiting front while a club on the rise has landed another forward. More here.
Essendon
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The signings are flowing at Essendon District Football League clubs.
It’s been a busy start to the off-season for a number of clubs across all three divisions.
Here’s all the latest news in recent weeks.
Keilor Park makes a statement in Division 1 preparations
Keilor Park has secured a big name recruit in its bid to make a statement in Division 1 next season.
The Devils have welcomed back former junior Fabian Brancatisano for the 2023 season.
He played in Airport West’s Division 1 premiership success this season.
“We are very excited to have Fabian back at Keilor Park for 2023 as we embark on a new journey in Division One,” the club said.
Rupertswood adds another forward
Rupertswood’s forward line is getting stronger.
The Sharks have unveiled Clayton Bonello as the club’s latest signing as he makes the move to the Division 1 club.
Bonello crosses from Keilor where he enjoyed strong success in front of goal in the reserves this season finishing with 57 goals from 16 matches.
He also made three senior appearances.
Bonello will join Dean Galea at the club.
Pascoe Vale begins to unveil its plans
Digby Morrell’s Pascoe Vale have enjoyed a stunning start to the off-season.
The Panthers’ week started with the announcement Corey Wagner, who plays in the VFL for Port Melbourne, had listed Pascoe Vale as his feeder club for 2023.
It’s since gone to another level with confirmation Sunny Brazier would be joining the club on a full-time basis from the Northern Bullants.
The 22-year-old inside midfielder “thrives on the physical contest” according to the club.
“With a height of 190cm, he also likes to float forward and take advantage of his size,” a social media post said.
Also among Pascoe Vale’s new recruits are Jackson Smith, Jonah Evans and ruckman Zac Steinhoff-Pino.
Greenvale among the busiest clubs
Greenvale has been busy to start its off-season with the club welcoming six new signings.
In recent days, the Jets have confirmed the arrivals of Judd Brewster, Mitch Mills and Nick Stuhldreier.
Brewster and Mills cross from Glenroy while Stuhldreier is a VFL listed midfielder with Port Melbourne.
Stuhldreier spent 2022 with Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat league where he earned Team of the Year selection.
The signings followed confirmation Corey Baker and Jarryd Bonello would return to Section Rd after time away with Wallan in the Riddell District league.
Jett Ladewig is another new face to join the club.
Airport West primed for Premier Division challenge
Airport West hasn’t finished tormenting former Division 1 rivals ahead of its promotion to the top tiers.
The Eagles have confirmed the signing of Tullamarine star Anthony Liberatore ahead of the 2023 season.
“A hard-working midfielder who is looking forward to challenging himself against Premier division‘s best. ‘Libba’ has battled brilliantly against us for a number of seasons now and we are excited to see him don the green (and) white for the first time,” the club said in a social media post.
Liberatore is set to join former Calder Cannons co-captain Ben Bozinovski, Christian Mazza and Musa Hussain as the club’s new recruits.
Gun set to return to Keilor full-time
Keilor’s bid to improve on its 2022 elimination final exit has taken big steps forward with Stefan Radovanovic set to return to the club full-time next year.
After playing a major role in Keilor’s 2019 premiership, Radovanovic went onto impress in the VFL for Carlton where he played 19 games this season.
In 2021, he was named the Blues’ best young player after finishing fourth in the best-and-fairest.
The Blues have since confirmed former AFL player Damien Cavka is set to rejoin the club after winning a Division 2 premiership with Keilor Park this season.
His return provides another significant boost after it was announced Corey Ellis would also return permanently.
New Stars keep appearing at Douttas
Essendon Doutta Stars have continued their busy off-season with the arrival of Maison Goodman.
The club described the former Assumption College student as an “athletic medium defender/ midfielder and at 188cm, has very good pace and a great leap.”
“Maison was a Member of Assumption Colleges premierships (sic) in 2021 and 2022 as an elite defender but also as a midfielder and forward as well,” the club said.
“Disciplined and committed to his football, Maison works extremely hard to develop his game with his elite attributes.”
Avondale Heights confirm first recruit
A familiar face is rejoining Avondale Heights as its first recruit for next season.
Seventeen-year-old Marcus Misiano is returning to the club having spent the last few seasons at Aberfeldie.
“Looking to take his football to the next level, he sees a massive opportunity to do that as part of the Heights senior program under new coach Dick Little and this team,” the club said.
Hadfield unveils its first signing for 2023
Division 2 finals contender Hadfield has made an impressive start to its off-season with the signing of Josh Trembearth.
Trembearth was previously a star forward for Glenroy during the club’s 2017 Division 1 premiership success and has since played for Hillside in 2021.
He is currently an important piece of Greenvale’s First XI in Victorian Premier Cricket and represented Spain earlier this year.
Plenty of fresh faces at East Keilor
The new era at East Keilor is officially underway with the club announcing a swagger of new recruits in recent weeks.
The biggest move was the arrival of Jacob Brown from East Point in the Ballarat league.
Other recruits include Anthony Tashevski-Beckwith, Carlo Riccardi, Cooper Bond, Daniel McNaughton, Gabriel Loukomitis, Jack Cackett, Jack Evans, Jackson Pellegrino, Marc Coscarella and Tom Rowland.
Tullamarine lures former Airport West gun
Tullamarine has been busy preparing for another shot at premiership redemption with the arrival of defender Fletcher Smith for next season.
Smith was part of Airport West’s premiership success in 2018 in Division 1.
He has also spent time with Essendon Doutta Stars and Taylors Lakes during his career.
Westmeadows add another big man
After unveiling Rex Hickman shortly at the end of the season, Westmeadows has again strengthened its list with the arrival of Shaun Knott.
“Shaun is a six foot three key position player who has the ability to play at either end of the ground and also in the ruck,” the club said.
“He has spent the last six seasons at Eaglehawk Football Club in the Bendigo Football League, having played finals and winning premierships.
“Shaun not only brings experience, but he also brings quality in both on the field and off.
“He brings great leadership, as he was the captain of Eaglehawk Football Club for the last three seasons.”
Moonee Valley strengthen for 2023
The plans Ian Denny has going for the Fog are now clearer after Moonee Valley unveiled five new signings to kick start the off-season.
Three of those players come from Sunshine in the WRFL including Belal Abou-Eid, Daniel Torcia and Joseph Tache.
Flynn Wood and Luke Rotunno are the other two new faces.
Craigieburn begins to take shape under new coach
Craigieburn’s playing list for next season is beginning to take shape after the Eagles unveiled a host of new faces set to arrive at the club.
Among them are Travis Keating who follows Shane Jacobs across from Bundoora for the new season.
Half forward Dillon Kane and halfback Connor Bills are the other new signings.
Northern Saints welcome new arrivals
Anthony Ricupero, Nick Bruno and Peter Dispenzeri will return home to the Northern Saints in 2023, the club has confirmed.
Ricupero spent the past season with Oak Park while Dispenzeri was with Tuallamarine.
They will be joined at the club by Joseph Mansoor and Nawid Najafi who played for Craigieburn last season.
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