EDFL: Lachie Plowman signs for Maribyrnong Park

New Maribyrnong Park coach Brodie Holland has given an insight into the connections that helped bring Lachie Plowman to the club and where he expects him to play.

Maribyrnong Park’s off-season rebuild under new coach Brodie Holland is gathering serious momentum.

The Lions have announced the arrival of recently retired AFL defender Lachie Plowman as their latest recruit for the 2024 season as they prepare for life in Division 1 of the EDFL.

Plowman’s career at the top level came to an end after a 145 games between GWS and Carlton at the end of 2023.

Holland said the signing of the 29-year-old from the club had been a “team effort” from several members of the Maribyrnong Park community.

“We’ve got people who have connections to Carlton who have helped us land Lachie,” he said.

“Former president Cain Liddle is involved and has been involved for a while, Luke Livingstone, a former player, is one of the clubs major sponsors and another one of our supporters is one of the Blues’ recruiting officers.

“Lachie lives in and around the area as well so I think he felt like this was the right club to help with his transition out of footy.

“One of his mates from his Vic Metro days, Sean Hetherington, is at the club as well.

“He’s a good fella and we’re really excited to have him on board for next year.”

Despite making his name in the AFL as a defender, Holland said the plan wasn’t necessarily to play Plowman down back.

“I”d love to see him as an inside midfielder or even sometimes on a wing but the luxury is we can probably play him in a position on a needs basis,” he said.

“Usually in local footy, every third week the wind will be blowing a gale to just one end, we could always stick him down there for the day. He’s going to bring a lot to our defence, especially being able to teach our younger guys.”

Lachie Plowman. Pic: Michael Klein

When he announced his AFL retirement, Plowman said he had got the best out of himself in the space of an 11-year career.

“I could not have asked for much more than to have been part of the AFL for such a significant period of my life,” he said.

“Thank you also to my family and partner, who were with me every step along the way. One of my favourite parts of my career is having the opportunity to share it all with you.”

Plowman becomes the second former AFL player to join the Lions this off-season with former Adelaide Crow Will Young also joining the club.

Able to play at both ends of the ground, Young joins after time with Caroline Springs and North Ballarat.

Also among the club’s signings is James Kayrooz from Banyule in the Northern league.

The young forward battled injury issues in 2023 after booting 50 goals in his first season of senior footy last year.

“It was a tough year personally for James but I’m excited by what he can bring,” Holland said.

“I think he’ll be a strong forward for us. Will brings more of that experience we’ve been desperate for. Our captain Scott Clarke has held down the back six well in the last few years and having Will should allow us to free him up a bit more.

“Maybe we could even look at throwing him forward if we need.”

Maribyrnong Park’s recruiting drive might not be over either.

Although Holland declared his side was “being patient” as it looks for more players.