EFNL 2022: Ex-Essendon midfielder Josh Begley among key signings at Boronia

Boronia is set to be lifted by an ex-AFL name in the EFNL’s Division 2 next season, but he’s not the only key inclusion as the coach explains ...

He’s one of the boom-recruits of the off-season set to lift an Eastern league Division 2 finalist.

Boronia senior coach Matt Clark says the signing of former Essendon and VFL Frankston midfielder Josh Begley would spearhead his side’s flag push next season, as it looks to improve on a fifth-placed finish to 2022.

Begley recently committed to the Hawks full-time after hanging up the boots at state level, following an AFL stint which took in 17 matches for Essendon from 2017-2020. He was selected with pick 31 in the 2016 national draft via the Eastern Ranges.

Josh Begley in action for Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein

Close friendships at Tormore Reserve helped land the midfielder, who returns to the Eastern league ranks after playing his junior footy with Upper Ferntree Gully.

“He’s really driven and competitive, and I think that’s the sort of person we need at our football club to help us go further … he’s going to be a real game-changer for us, that’s for sure,” Clark said.

“We’re really lucky and blessed to have someone like that come on board … he’s going to take the standards of the group (higher) and on game-day he’s going to be a key to what we’re doing.

“He believes in what we’re doing as a strategy and our vision – there’s no doubt the relationship he’s got with a few players was key to getting him across the line.

“He always had a plan to come back locally at some stage if the AFL dream was over (and) he still wants to be a strong competitor and he wants to be in a successful team.”

Boronia’s season came to a close with a one-point loss to East Burwood in the semi-final, after posting an 8-8-2 record in the home-and-away campaign.

Clark said an injection of “pace and bigger bodies around the footy” were needed this off-season – and the recent signing of Upwey-Tecoma midfielder Jethro Von Hesse would help bolster those stocks.

Jetro Von Hesse (left) played the past five seasons with Upwey-Tecoma. Pictured with Josh Begley. Picture: Boronia FNC

“He’s a really high-credentialed footballer having played some great footy at Upwey, and was looking at going to the VFL at one point,” Clark said.

“He’s close with Begley as well and he fits what we’re looking for with a good skill-set, mobile, fast, but a good size too, so he can play multiple positions.”

The Hawks have also welcomed back 2021 under-19 best-and-fairest Lachie Wright, returning with “a real motivation and drive” after a season with West Gippsland club, Dalyston.

“We’ve got one of our best juniors coming back into the club which is really exciting and he’s really keen to get the best out of himself,” Clark said.

Meanwhile, midfielder/forward Taylor Leggate has returned to Wantirna South, where he played more than 150 matches including the club’s 2014 Division 3 premiership before crossing to the Hawks at the end of 2019.

Taylor Leggate is back at the Devils. Picture Adrian Waller

His time at Boronia was marred by two Covid-interrupted seasons and injury, limiting the four-time Team of the Year representative to just 19 matches and 27 goals.

“He had our blessing in the end … he’s an A-grade footballer and a loss at any level, but we think we’re going to get probably four or five players in,” Clark said.

“We’re not going to replace him but we’re just going to look different and I think we need to look different.”