EFNL 2024: Ex-AFL Tiger Jake Aarts signs with Beaconsfield for 2025

He’s been one of the most sought-after signings in local footy this off-season, but former Richmond forward Jake Aarts has made his choice. Latest here.

Jake Aarts has spent the past two seasons with Dromana. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The former AFL Tiger is home.

Jake Aarts has landed back where it all began, reuniting with junior club Beaconsfield for its Eastern league Division 1 campaign next season.

The midfielder and small forward arrives fresh off two years with MPFNL power Dromana, winning a Division 1 flag in 2023 before featuring in another grand final this year.

The 29-year-old played 42 AFL matches for Richmond from 2019-2022, after he was snapped up in the ‘19 rookie draft following stops at Noble Park in Eastern’s top-flight, and Bendigo and the Tigers in the state league.

Beaconsfield senior coach Mick Fogarty knew Aarts’ signature had been highly sought-after by local clubs this off-season.

He played all of his junior football for Beaconsfield and debuted in the seniors as a 16-year-old in 2011.

“It’s pretty special,” Fogarty said of Aarts’ homecoming.

“He did have a lot to think about regarding his footy and where he wanted to take that next year and we’re grateful that he chose to come back to ‘Beacy’ and be a part of what we’re building.

“He’ll not just be a really good player for us, but an on-field leader, directing our guys and our guys are really going to benefit from him on and off the ground.

“Just the leadership he’s got, he’s just going to hold our group in really good stead.”

Aarts in action for Beaconsfield in 2015. Picture: Chris Eastman

Fogarty said while it was a “tough decision” for Aarts to leave Dromana, he was set to reunite with a host of former teammates at the Eagles.

“We always enquired about Jake,” Fogarty said.

“He’ll tell you he really enjoyed his time at Dromana.

“He had a terrific two years down at Dromana and it just fell our way in regards to lifestyle and things that he needed to do going forward.

“It was a really tough decision for him (to leave), but we’re just so thankful that he chose us.

“He knows a fair few of the older guys which is great, so he’ll feel pretty much at home when he rocks up for pre-season.”

Beaconsfield finished the home-and-season in fifth with an 11-7 record before an eight-point preliminary final loss.

Fogarty said Aarts’ addition would provide both Beaconsfield – and the league – with a nice boost.

“I’ve said it for the three years we’ve been in Eastern Division 1 how even the comp is,” Fogarty said.

“There’s just no easy games, and that might sound simplistic to say, but there’s not.

“The EFL’s got a reputation of how strong it is in metropolitan Melbourne, so it’s really good to see these (ex-AFL) players come back.”