EFL: Box Hill Hawks premiership player Anthony Brolic returns to Rowville

Rowville coach John Brown says Anthony Brolic has returned to the Hawks to win an Eastern Football League premiership after tasting VFL glory this year.

Anthony Brolic in action for Rowville this year. Picture: Gavin Morris

Rowville saw some of Anthony Brolic in 2018.

But the Hawks will see a lot more of the talented midfielder next year after the Box Hill premiership player signed at Seebeck Oval.

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The Rowville junior was named in the VFL team of the year in 2017 and played in Box Hill’s grand final win over Casey Demons this season.

Anthony Brolic competes for the ball against Doncaster this year. Picture: Gavin Morris

Brolic played two games at Rowville this year as a VFL aligned player but he will be at the Hawks full-time in 2019.

Rowville coach John Brown said Brolic wanted to return to Rowville to win a premiership.

“He just felt it was time, after winning a premiership at VFL level and at his age, he just figured he’d achieved what he could at that level,” Brown said.

“He had aspirations to play higher but that never eventuated and I guess winning a (VFL) premiership has driven him to come back and do it at his junior club with his close friendship group.”

Rowville has also signed Brolic’s former Box Hill teammate Dale Hehir, who finished as the Division 3 leading goalkicker this year with 71 goals at Scoresby.

“He’ll come into our system and we’ll probably play him as a third or fourth forward,” Brown said of Hehir.

“It will give him a little bit more flexibility sometimes to be able to play higher up the ground and get dangerous a little bit with his run and jump.”

Matthew Robinson is on his way to Karingal. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Brothers Taine and Braeden Barlow have also returned to their junior club from Vermont, where they have each played in under-19s premierships.

Braeden also featured in Vermont’s reserves flag this season.

Brown, who coached the pair during his time at the Eagles, said the siblings would have the ability to play senior football next year.

“They’re two young guys but certainly quality players with some further growth and development,” he said.

“We have no doubt they’ll 10-year players for the club.”

Rowville has also retained Aidan Quigley (Casey) as a VFL aligned player, while the Hawks may see some of half-back Bailey Morrish (Williamstown) when he is not in the state league.

Of the departures, Daniel Zajac, Michael Sikora and Luke Daidone have joined AFL Outer East club Doveton.

Matthew Robinson has also linked up with Mornington Peninsula outfit Karingal.

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