EFNL 2021: Vermont signs key names as latest star name departs

Vermont coach Adam Parker explains why his list can stay at the pointy end of the ladder next season, despite a host of star exits.

Matt Arnot headlines Vermont’s latest signings. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

A raft of stars have exited the club in recent weeks, but Vermont coach Adam Parker says his club’s latest signings can help keep the Eagles competitive.

Former Richmond midfielder Matt Arnot has signed at the Eagles and will play at local level full-time next season after finishing up with Port Melbourne in the VFL.

The 28-year-old spent three seasons on the Tigers’ AFL list from 2013-15, playing eight matches, after stints with Coburg and the Oakleigh Chargers.

He spent five seasons with the Borough, and returns to Terrara Rd after playing junior football at the club.

“He’s an under-16 premiership player at Vermont … (and) there’s a bit of a family connection there as well which helps,” Parker said

“He’s a quality person and professional footballer in the past – we’re excited to have him on board and we’re lucky to have him.”

Upwey-Tecoma pair Bailey Oates and Haydn Stanley will also boost the midfield, making the move from AFL Outer East’s top division.

Oates won Upwey-Tecoma’s best and fairest this year. Picture: Robyn Kuys

Oates won the Tigers’ best and fairest this season, with the pair linking up with Parker who held the Upwey-Tecoma coaching job before returning to lead Vermont.

“They just wanted to play a higher level of footy and challenge themselves. They’re a good age, and I think they’re quality players, so it’ll be exciting what sort of impact they can have,” Parker said.

Frankston VFL star Josh Begley has aligned with the Eagles, but is unlikely to play due to state league commitments.

Meanwhile, dual premiership defender Matt Willcocks is the latest key name to exit the club, joining a long line of star departures.

Willcocks returns to Leongatha where he’ll play with a close family member for a season – but he’s expected to be back at the Eagles.

“It’s a massive loss for us, but he’s already confirmed with us that he’ll be back the following year,” Parker said.

Matt Willcocks in action for Vermont. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Ruckman Liam Buxton (Montmorency) and midfielders Tom Schneider (Traralgon), Mitch Mellis (Boronia), Luke McComb (Ferntree Gully) and Tom Maas (East Geelong) have also moved on, while two-time premiership player Lachie Carey has retired.

Asked whether the tight salary cap for the league’s top division – $100,000 – had played a part in the star departures: “I’d imagine so,” Parker said, adding he thought it was a fair system for all clubs, if policed properly.

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“It’s a hard one (the player departures) to communicate about – it’s a little bit sad when guys are leaving who don’t want to leave the club,” Parker said.

“It’s an interesting space – probably a ‘watch this space’ for the next 12 months to see how everything unfolds, is probably the best way to put it.”

With Buxton’s exit, Parker touted emerging reserves ruckman Anthony Jenkins to be in the frame to take up a spot in the senior ruck division next season alongside star veteran Robbie Ross.

Parker said his club would look to target goal-kickers ahead of the season, but remained optimistic his list could contend the Eastern league’s Premier Division flag again next year. The Eagles won the minor premiership this season.

“We’re a little bit light-on in the forward half – but we’re still confident with whatever sort of list we’ve got, whether they be big names or new faces, we’re always confident with how we’ll go,” he said.

“I know there were some question marks on our list last year, clubs asking how we’ll still win it, and we ended up winning seven of eight games. We’re confident in the ability of our group.”