EDFL: Keilor’s Patrick Veszpremi requests move to Central Murray league

One of Keilor’s key recruits from 2021 has requested a move to a country footy club which has already attracted one former AFL player this season.

Keilor’s Essendon District league premiership aspirations have taken a blow after star Patrick Veszpremi requested a clearance to a country club.

The 32-year-old currently has a pending clearance to the Woorinen Football Netball Club, 15km northwest of Swan Hill, which competes in the Central Murray league.

A league official confirmed on Thursday morning that the former Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs player’s clearance still needed to be finalised.

Woorinen president Craig Threadgold said the club’s recruiting officer had played a key role in securing the 32-year-old’s signature.

Veszpremi has not played a game for Keilor this year as he is currently serving a suspension.

“We’re really excited to welcome Patrick to our club,” Threadgold said.

“We’ve heard some terrific things about him as a player and can’t wait to see what he is going to bring to our competition.

“The details surrounding when he will be available still need to be sorted out because it’s not clear how many games he has left to serve.

“We’re working with the league to have that sorted as quickly as possible.”

Patrick Veszpremi has requested a move to the country. Picture: Josie Hayden

Veszpremi originally signed for Keilor on the eve of the 2021 EDFL season after crossing from Western Region league club Hoppers Crossing.

He went onto play seven games in a shortened season, being named in the best on four occasions and kicking five goals.

The Blues were Veszpremi’s third EDFL Premier Division club after he previously spent time with Essendon Doutta Stars and Pascoe Vale.

“He’s got some talent and can play in all areas, so you’ve got to plan pretty well for him,” Keilor coach Mick McGuane said following Veszpremi’s arrival last year.

Josh Jenkins played for Woorinen on Good Friday and was presented with his jumper by friend, Kyle Steicke. Photo: Facebook.

The arrival of another ex-AFL player is a big boost for Woorinen who had Josh Jenkins, a three-club veteran at the top level, make a guest appearance on Good Friday.

He finished with three goals in the eight-point loss to Cohuna Kangas.

“It was terrific to have Josh come and play for us last week,” Threadgold said.

“He’s from the Swan Hill region and wanted to come back and play with some mates. It was also the first time a Good Friday game has played in our region and it was a great success.”

The Tigers will face another tough test on Saturday when they host competition powerhouse Kerang.