EFNL 2022: Vermont signs ruckman Zac Hanlen for 2023

The Eagles have ticked another box on the recruiting wishlist, adding to a key area of the ground as they look to climb the Eastern Premier ladder next season.

VERMONT has added another piece to the puzzle at it seeks to return to the finals in 2023.

The Premier Division club has signed East Burwood ruckman Zac Hanlen, a timely inclusion following season-ending injuries to ruckmen Robbie Ross and Anthony Jenkins this year.

Vermont head of football Bernie Dinneen said Hanlen, a former junior footballer with the club, was keen to test himself in the top-flight.

He played 17 of a possible 21 matches for the Rams in Divison 2 this year, following seven in his debut season in 2021.

Hanlen’s arrival follows the signing of former North Melbourne tall Daniel Nielson and the return of dual premiership defender Matt Willcocks.

Zac Hanlen for East Burwood gets a kick under pressure. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“With the injuries we had last year, we identified key positions was an area that we needed a bit more depth and strength in and the fact that he’s a Vermont junior having played 50 or 60 games there means he’s a one-pointer which makes it more appealing,” Dinneen said of Hanlen.

“He really wanted to test himself at the higher level and push himself with his footy.

“He’s early 20s now … we think at his age we think with his body and size, he’s ready to make a statement in senior footy.”

While Ross is set to return to action from an ankle injury, Dinneen said Jenkins faced a longer lay-off following an ACL.

“We’re really focusing on long-term and getting him (Jenkins) to 100 per cent,” Dinneen said.

Ross is set to become just the ninth player in Vermont’s 102-year history to play 200 senior matches for the club after debuting in 2004.

Dinneen said the five-time premiership Eagle could provide versatility at either end of the ground next season while helping develop the club’s emerging ruck stocks.

“He’s also about the team space and building the guys around him,” Dinneen said.

“Having some younger ruck options like Mason Hawkins that he can help develop, grow and improve and a couple of the other really young talls we’ve got coming through, Robbie’s going to be just priceless.

“Whether he plays as a ruckman, which he probably will be at times, but I don’t think the plan would be for Robbie to ruck for 18 games … that gives us flexibility for him to play as a key forward or a key back – he’s versatile and can pretty much play anywhere.

“He might end up forward at times with Daniel Nielson, and that was another area we lacked at times was genuine marking options forward of the footy.

“It gives a few more options for (senior coach Adam Parker) to play with on the list and look a bit more dangerous.”

Vermont finished ninth on the ladder this season with a 6-12 record, missing the finals for the first time since 2011.