Lachlan Stredwick headlines impressive Oak Park EDFL signings

After a year where his side “exceeded expectations”, Oak Park coach Todd Clark has welcomed a package of recruits for season 2025 headlined by one of the EDFL’s best defenders. Here’s what we know.

Lachlan Stredwick has made the move from Pascoe Vale. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Oak Park coach Todd Clark credits his club’s off-season movements down to the playing group.

He believes their work on and off the field in recent seasons has played a key role in the Essendon District league club continuing to strengthen itself.

Clark’s side has made several promising moves already this off-season including the arrival of former Pascoe Vale captain Lachlan Stredwick.
The key defender is regarded as one of the league’s best and has consistently gone head-to-head with Premier Division’s best forwards.

Adam Del Busso is another former Panther making the move to the Division 1 Roos, returning to the footy field after a year out of the game. He kicked 31 goals in season 2023.

“Your players are your best recruiters,” Clark said.

“The guys we’ve brought in are intertwined with mates already here. We’ve been talking to some of these guys for 18 months and when you are still in Division 2, you can understand them maybe not wanting to come across.

“We probably exceeded expectations last year by making finals after coming up. Our guys have wound back a bit to help us get these quality of players in.

“Everyone knows the quality of guys like Lachie and we’re fortunate enough to get him on board.”

In other moves, former VFL player Josh Hotchkin has returned to the club after a recent stint with Aberfeldie.

Former juniors Finn Dolan and Michael Dalrymple are also back in the blue and white.

“Both of those guys are one-pointers, so they’re very valuable,” Clark said.

“We’ve got a lot of our younger guys who have come through the under-18s in recent years who have played a key role in where we are today and bringing players back is something we always aim to do.

“Finn comes across from Therry Penola in the VAFA, he’ll probably play across halfback. Michael spent some time with Tullamarine and we know what he can do on a footy field.

“We know we needed to cover some gaps and we’re pretty comfortable with the recruiting we’ve done.”

Jedd Clothier is the club’s other confirm signing so far having last played for the Narooma Lions in 2023.

“A lot of the other clubs have been improving as well, it’s shaping up as a really exciting year,” Clark said.

Oak Park has been fixtured to take on Hillside in the opening round of the season.