EFNL 2024: Doncaster East co-captain James Appleby signs at Heathmont

Eastern Division 2 club Heathmont has landed one of the signings of the league’s off-season, luring a top-flight captain. But there could be more recruits to come.

Doncaster East’s James Appleby has linked with Heathmont. Picture: Supplied

Heathmont has secured one of the signings of the Eastern league off-season, luring a Premier Division skipper.

Doncaster East co-captain James Appleby has landed at the Division 2 club in a major boost to the Jets’ engine room.

Heathmont senior coach Scott Hamill said a connection to the playing group helped the tough, inside midfielder to HE Parker Reserve.

“He’s very close mates with one of our current players, Josh Buceto,” Hamill said.

“Those guys have always talked about playing together and the opportunity arose.

“We sought him out and we were able to get him across the line.”

Appleby had previously been announced as re-signed at Doncaster East for 2025.

He featured in the club’s 2018 and ’19 Division 1 premierships amid its rise to the league’s top-flight for the first time in its history.

He’s also taken in a swag of Team of the Year honours.

James Appleby cracks in for Doncaster East. Picture: Hamish Blair

Hamill was excited by the prospect of having powerhouse ruckman and former AFL Bulldog Nathan Mullenger-McHugh feeding Appleby through the middle next season.

“He’s going to be super for us,” Hamill said of Appleby.

“A tough, inside mid and a very good ball-user as well … he’s going to be a tough match-up for the opposition and someone who’ll complement us and our midfield really well.

“Him and (ruckman) Nathan Mullenger-McHugh linking up through there is going to be a great combination.”

But the Jets are set to unveil further recruits from higher-division clubs as they look to slingshot back into finals after missing the top five this year with a 7-11 record.

The club played off in the grand final in 2023.

“We’ve still got some guys to announce over the coming days – a few guys who are coming back to the club as well as a couple of new recruits,” Hamill said.

“We feel we’ve recruited really well – Darren (McNeil), our footy ops manager, has done a great job.

“We’re looking really good and we’ve set ourselves up nicely for next year.”