EFNL 2025: Axed AFL forward Josh Schache’s ‘phenomenal’ pre-season at new club

Former No. 2 draft pick Josh Schache is no stranger to the rigours of pre-season – or lofty expectations – and he’s more than keeping his end of the deal at his new club.

Delisted AFL forward Josh Schache has impressed for his new club this pre-season. Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

He’s one of the marquee signings of the local footy off-season – and his new coach says the ex-AFL forward has “exceeded expectations”.

Former No. 2 draft pick Josh Schache is said to be leading the pack at Doncaster East this pre-season after linking with the Eastern Premier Division club in October.

Fresh off a 76-game career across the Brisbane Lions, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, Doncaster East senior coach Ryan James said the 27-year-old had been top of the class for running drills on the track.

“He’s definitely come back super fit and keen,” James said.

“He’s exceeded my expectations with his commitment and his ability to teach and get around the boys.

“Sometimes with blokes who’ve just come out of AFL, they probably need a bit of a break from footy but he’s been phenomenal for us.”

Schache will combine with ex-Bulldogs teammate Tim O’Brien in attack this season, alongside recruit Jay Rankin.

“(Josh), Tim and Jay Rankin will all work together – Josh’s asset is his ability to get up the ground and use the ball,” James said.

“On the bigger grounds he might play higher, but on grounds such as ours, him and Tim probably play a little bit deeper together.”

Josh Schache has been one of local footy’s biggest signings this off-season. Picture: Supplied

Rankin, one of the Eastern league’s leading young guns, crossed from Division 3 outfit Fairpark in November amid interest from state clubs – not long after ex-Box Hill VFL midfielder Tom Maloney jumped aboard.

The pair have also impressed this pre-season.

“Jay’s got a really high workrate,” James said.

“Tom’s just building his fitness because he had an injury and some personal things towards the end of last year, but after Christmas he’s really picked up a cog.

“Once we get competitive and put a ball in his hands, he definitely stands out.”

Doncaster East slid from preliminary finalist to eighth last season, banking just five wins.

But the coach was confident his club had made every post a winner in its bid to rebound.

“I definitely think we’re ahead of last year – but we definitely needed to be,” James said.

“If you look at our year, we definitely got what we deserved and probably took the foot off the pedal a little bit … I think everyone’s egos at the club were pricked a fair bit last year.

“The boys have come back first-class – we’ve got new fitness staff, the buy-in has been good, and numbers have been crazy.

“We’re comfortable with where we’re at.”

Doncaster East opens its season at home to Berwick on April 12.