EFNL 2023: Hugh Johnson, Michael Wenn join Doncaster East

A former VFL pair has joined the Lions from an Eastern league Premier Division rival, following the earlier signing of a gun midfielder.

A former VFL pair has linked with Doncaster East – crossing from a Premier Division rival.

Ex-Port Melbourne forward Hugh Johnson and ruckman Michael Wenn have landed at Zerbes Reserve, arriving from Norwood.

They reunite with Doncaster East senior coach Ryan James – a former assistant at Port Melbourne – who said the prior connection helped secure the duo.

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“They go back to my Port Melbourne days and they were straight out of the NAB League … I was lucky enough to spend three years with them at Port Melbourne and we always tried to stay in touch,” James said.

Wenn won Norwood’s best and fairest this season, featuring among the best in 11 of 15 appearances on the way to Team of the Year selection.

He’s set to combine with fellow former Borough big man Lachie Waddell in the ruck – but could shoulder more of the load according to the coach.

Michael Wenn (left) won Norwood’s club champion award this year. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“‘Wenny’ and Lachie Waddell will share the ruck role – Wenn will probably do a little bit more than Lachie,” James said.

Johnson, who also spent time at Sandringham during his state league stay, joined Norwood from VAFA club Old Collegians this year and played all 18 matches, kicking 26 goals.

Touted for his speed, strength and strong marking ability, James said the 196cm talent fit the profile of the Lions’ needs this off-season, with the club bereft of a tall target in attack.

“We identified that we had most areas covered – we just lacked a little bit of height going forward so that was the focus in the off-season,” James said.

“Hughey kicked (almost) 30 goals in his first year in the competition and we think we can get a little bit more out of him and help him out a little bit more.”

Johnson and Wenn join the earlier signing of Warrandyte’s Chris Tout.

The experienced midfielder will test himself in the top-flight next season after crossing from Division 3.

A premiership player with the Bloods in 2015 as a 17-year-old, Tout has consistently been among Warrandyte’s leading contributors, running second for the club’s best and fairest in 2021.

“He had a year at Doncaster in Premier a few years ago and was really good – we feel he’s still about to hit his best footy,” James said.

“We feel like he’s got a lot more to give and he’s obviously had a really successful local career so far.”