EFL 2019: WAFL champion Chris Phelan signs with Eastern Football League club Doncaster East
A decorated WAFL star has joined Doncaster East, boosting the Lions’ bid to join the Eastern Football League’s top-flight for the first time in their history.
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Decorated WAFL star Chris Phelan has joined Doncaster East in a major boost to the Lions’ bid to join the Eastern Football League’s top-flight for the first time in the club’s history.
The three-time Subiaco premiership player and dual best-and-fairest winner will relocate to Melbourne for work, joining former teammate and ex-Carlton defender Simon White at the Division 1 club.
Phelan played in Subiaco’s 2014, 2015 and 2018 flags, was club champion in 2014 and 2016 and received WAFL team of the year honours in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018 over a 168-game career.
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He finished his state league career on a high last year, collecting 34 possessions, eight tackles, seven inside-50s and kicking a goal in the Lions’ 81-point grand final thrashing of West Perth.
Phelan will be allocated five points under the player points system, joining former Carlton backman Sam Rowe on the list of additions at Zerbes Reserve.
Doncaster East president Mark Solanakis said Phelan’s friendship with White convinced him to join the club.
White joined the Lions last year and was among the best players in the 60-point grand final victory over Lilydale alongside former Blues teammate Brock McLean.
“That’s what I really like about what we’re creating at Donny East. It’s great to share sport with friends and I think that was a big incentive for those guys to be able to play together,” Solanakis said.
“That was the biggest drawcard and we know that because it is not a case of putting his hand out for cash.”
Solanakis said Phelan would play an important role in the midfield.
He is set to move east at the end of the month.
“I think Chris will hold his own … I think he’s going to be good value for us in the middle because we’ve also got young kids,” he said.
“It’s not just a case of getting his playing ability out there, the bonus is we’re really building a good environment for our young kids to learn and learn from some significant players that have actually achieved in their footy days.”
Doncaster East has never reached the competition’s top-tier in its 52-year history but will start this campaign as red-hot flag favourites.
“We think we’re putting together the right people to maintain what we were able to deliver last season,” Solanakis said.
“It might be this year, it might be the year after but ultimately, our intention is to be in Premier division and we’re ready to go, we just need that opportunity.”
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