EFNL 2023: Ryan Morrison departs Noble Park for Dromana

One of the Eastern league’s brightest stars has linked with a rival competition. Latest here.

NOBLE Park has waved goodbye to one of its biggest stars.

Premiership full-back Ryan Morrison has left the Eastern league Premier Division club, linking with Mornington Peninsula outfit Dromana.

Morrison, a former Dandenong Stingray, Casey and North Melbourne VFL player, is regarded as one of the Eastern league’s top defenders, earning several Team of the Year gongs including this season’s nod at full-back.

The former Narre Warren man joined the Bulls ahead of the 2016 season where he’s since played 100 senior games – including the 2022 grand final victory.

He took in a brief stint with Norwood in 2019 before finding his way back to Moodemere St.

Ryan Morrison has left Noble Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Noble Park senior coach Steve Hughes said a move had been in the works since the club’s campaign finished in Round 18.

“I’ve spoken to Ryan a number of times since the end of the season and like every year with good players, sides are doing their due diligence and trying to recruit top-tier,” Hughes said.

“It happens every year with us, and unfortunately Ryan’s made the decision to move on.”

Hughes said the key defender would be tough to replace – but the premiership coach would look to a range of options to fill the void.

“They’re hard to find – you’re rarely going to find a player of that calibre that’s available,” Hughes said.

“I guess we’ll focus on team defence like we always do, and Ryan’s been the backbone of that, but we’ll just need another one to stand up.

“Riet Pal, 12 months ago wasn’t in the senior side and he came on in leaps and bounds this year – I remember making the comment at presentation night that he’d become our No. 2 defender within 12 months of not even being in the side.

“I know it’s a little bit cliché, but this presents an opportunity for others to stand up and we’d expect Riet to take another step next year and others to fall in behind him, whether that’s a Liam Scott that moves to centre half-back potentially.

“We’re obviously on the lookout for recruits, like every club.”

Hughes paid tribute to Morrison’s contribution at the Pat Wright Snr Oval.

“I’m sure he’ll make an enormous impact on that competition (MPFNL) and he’s a genuine local footy star,” he said.

“He’s a premiership player (and) was outstanding in the grand final last year, 100 games at the club – I wish him all the best, personally.”