EFL 2019: Murphy Ambrose signs at Eastern Football League club Heathmont

Heathmont’s playing stocks have received a significant boost, unveiling a key recruit as the Jets’ list takes shape for 2019.

Murphy Ambrose celebrates a goal during his time with Essendon’s VFL side. Picture: Sarah Matray

Heathmont’s playing stocks have received a significant boost, signing experienced midfielder Murphy Ambrose.

Ambrose had a year away from football last season but had previously played VFL with Essendon and Coburg, also spending time at Eastern Football League Premier division club Norwood.

He most recently played with VAFA outfit Old Xaverians in 2017, also featuring in the club’s 2013 grand final win.

EFL: EASTERN LEAGUE RISING STAR SECURES VFL DEAL

EFL: PREMIERSHIP MENTOR DEPARTS DONVALE

EFL: FOUR-TIME PREMIERSHIP PLAYER RETURNS TO BALWYN

EFL: WAVERLEY BLUES REVEALS PLANS TO END 11-YEAR FINALS DROUGHT

EFL: NORWOOD ADDS VFL PAIR TO LIST OF RECRUITS

Heathmont coach Kyle Emley said Ambrose’s Norwood connections had led him to the H.E. Parker Reserve.

“Murph was really driven by playing with some of the other boys at the other club he has played with previously and just looking to enjoy footy,” Emley said.

“I think it was a combination of a relaxed feel to footy and being able to contribute, but there’s also a fair contingent of ex-Norwood players at the club.”

Emley said Murphy could establish himself as one of the competition’s top-liners in Division 3 this season.

“There’s no expectations really, it’s more about his ability to help develop our young group and lead on the field,” he said.

“I think getting to know him and having played footy against him when he was at Norwood and at Xavs, he’s the type of guy that will always challenge himself and push himself.

“He drives himself to be the best no matter where he is playing and I think that will be no different this year.

“I definitely think he has the potential to do that, as long as he prepares himself right, he’ll definitely assist us to be a better side.”

Murphy Ambrose gets a handball away for Norwood. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Heathmont advanced to the decider from fifth in 2017 and was knocked out of finals by eventual premier Boronia in the semi-final last year.

The Jets have also signed emerging utility Ayhan Bajramov, who played six senior games at Premier division club Montrose this year.

Bajramov represented the EFL’s under-19s side in the 2017 AFL Victoria Community Championships.

Chris Colombo has departed for Doncaster and Leigh Odermatt has joined South Belgrave.

Heathmont opens its season against The Basin on April 6.

MORE LOCAL FOOTY

WRFL: ANOTHER FLAG WINNER RETURNS TO PARKSIDE

MPFNL: TRAVIS CLOKE SET FOR LOCAL FOOTY CAMEO

EDFL: MARIBYRNONG PARK DISMISS DIRE FORECAST

VFL: SKIPPERS URGE SUPPORTERS TO SIGN UP

OFF-SEASON HQ: THE LATEST PLAYER AND COACHING MOVES