Ace defender one of two key signings for Noble Park

After one season with Norwood, Ryan Morrison has signed at Noble Park, as has Cranbourne left-footer Anthony Vella.

Noble Park was disappointed when Ryan Morrison left the club 12 months ago.

It is delighted he has returned.

After spending one season at Eastern Premier rival Norwood, the star defender last night signed with the Bulls for 2020.

But how much they will see of him remains to be seen.

After playing two games for Casey Demons in 2018, Morrison, 24, was a late addition to North Melbourne’s VFL list this year and ended up playing 15 matches, getting four mentions in the best.

He will be staying with the Roos next year.

“Really excited to have him back,’’ Noble Park football manager Steven Coats said this morning.

“He’ll probably play the majority of the year at North Melbourne, and we wish him all the best there, but it will be good to have him on occasions and it will be good to have him after he finishes in the VFL, whenever that is.

“He’s a very popular figure at our club.’’

Ryan Morrison (right) with Majak Daw after a Roos VFL game this year.

Morrison joined the Bulls from Narre Warren in 2016 and was quick to make his name as one of Eastern’s best key defenders, earning an interleague jumper in 2017.

Last year former Noble coach Mick Fogarty even suggested AFL recruiters should be looking up Morrison.

He was speaking after the left-footer held Vermont spearhead Brett Eddy to one goal.

“Morrison was superb, absolutely superb,’’ he said.

“He’s playing against a guy (Eddy) who has just come off an AFL list, and he’s beaten him in the air, beaten him on the ground, beaten him everywhere. Gee he defended well. Made him look silly at times.

“I don’t mind putting myself on a limb. You probably don’t get taken too seriously by people higher up because you coach at local level and you don’t know anything, but having seen how he played against a guy of Eddy’s calibre, you only hope they (recruiters) are taking notice. Eddy got some good balls coming in and Morrison defended so well. The ball would hit the ground and Eddy would try to pick it up and Morrison was straight on to him. In the air he punched, he spoiled. I think Eddy outmarked him once.

“My opinion, he should be playing VFL every week. I’d be putting so much time into this kid because I truly believe he can go to the next level.

“They talk about mid-season drafts … AFL clubs would be crazy if they’re not looking at ‘Morro’. He’s ready-made.’’

Cranbourne and Casey Demons player Anthony Vella has joined the Bulls.

The Bulls last night signed dashing Cranbourne left-footer Anthony Vella, who was on Casey’s books this year.

Vella won Cranny’s best and fairest in 2016 and went on to Port Melbourne.

He played five games for Casey this year.

“Very impressive player and young man,’’ Coats said.

“He was injured this year and missed a bit of footy. He’s well thought of at Casey we envisage him playing a fair bit of footy for Noble Park next year.’’

Another Cranbourne player, Anthony Burr, has also linked with the Bulls, who remain in the race to sign 150-game VFL player Luke Tynan.

Tynan is also being linked with Berwick and Upper Ferntree Gully.