EFNL 2021: Ex-AFL Bulldog Nathan Mullenger-McHugh returns to Heathmont

Former AFL Bulldog and state leaguer Nathan Mullenger-McHugh has signed with the Jets – and coach Nick Rutley couldn’t be more excited.

Mullenger McHugh soars for the Bulldogs in an AFL X match. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Opposition midfields in the Eastern league’s Division 2 can expect to have their hands full next season, with Heathmont landing a former Western Bulldogs rookie.

Nathan Mullenger-McHugh has put pen to paper at the Jets for 2022, landing back at the club he played his junior football with.

The 197cm tall utility made his way onto the Bulldogs’ list via the Eastern Ranges, where he was selected with pick 16 in the 2016 rookie draft.

He made more than 50 appearances in the VFL across Footscray, Box Hill and Coburg, including 10 with the Lions this season while aligned with Premier powerhouse, Balwyn.

Nathan Mullenger-McHugh for Coburg battles with a Carlton opponent. Picture: George Salpigtidis

He last played for Heathmont in 2015, where he made 17 appearances in the seniors that season.

Heathmont coach Nick Rutley said the family name being synonymous with the club played a key role in landing the former Bulldog. Nathan’s sister, Alkira, is the head netball coach at the Jets, among a line of family members involved at HE Parker Reserve.

“The stars aligned a little bit in regards to him being a Heathmont kid and the family connection being really strong,” Rutley said.

“I think the pull to come back home just married up – he’s not driven by the dollar, he just wants to have success at the club where he grew up.

“If Coburg were playing on the Sunday or if they had a bye, he wound up at the footy club watching us.

“He wants to get the footy club up to where it wants to be … he could be the missing link or the guy that takes us to the next level.”

Mullenger McHugh in action for the Jets. Picture: Supplied

And Rutley isn’t limiting the former state leaguer into any one role on the field.

“I think he can play a hybrid role through the midfield where he takes hit-outs around stoppages and centre bounce,” he said.

“With his experience and his footy IQ, it’s so different for them because they’re out on the ground, coaches are on the sidelines and we miss a lot and don’t feel a lot of what’s going on out there.

“From an instinct standpoint, he’ll be given the keys and he’ll be able to teach the boys around him.

“Our guys are pretty good at that anyway … they grew in that space as the weeks progressed.”

Mullenger-McHugh’s inclusion comes as defender Matt Langdon heads back to Montrose while Jake Sherriff has retired, but former captain Dylan Sverns could be in the frame to return from retirement.

Heathmont remained in the hunt for this year’s Division 2 flag before the remainder of the season was cancelled in early September, finishing third on the ladder with a 9-3 record.

“We feel like if it (the season) had progressed, we would’ve given it a real shake with the list we had, and we’re just going to add to it. It’s exciting,” Rutley said.