EFNL 2025: Champion midfielder Matt Jones departs Eastern league power South Croydon

One of South Croydon’s most decorated players has departed the Eastern Premier club for a rival league – but the coach has a plan to cover his loss.

Decorated South Croydon veteran Matt Jones has departed for Mornington. Picture: Andrew Batsch

SOUTH Croydon has waved goodbye to a favourite son – but senior coach Brendan Allen is hopeful of his recruits filling the void.

Triple best-and-fairest-winning midfielder Matt Jones has departed Cheong Park, linking with Mornington in the MPFNL’s Division 1.

Jones was part of South Croydon’s climb through the Eastern league’s grades in the 2000s, winning premierships in ‘06 in Division 3 and ’09 in Division 2 before helping the club to its maiden top-flight crown in ’17.

The former Melbourne Demon – who played 61 AFL matches from 2013-16 – finished runner-up for South Croydon’s best and fairest last season.

He reunites with ex-Bulldogs teammate and Chandler Medal-winning ruckman Max King at Mornington.

“It’s more coincidence than anything else – he’s (Jones) moved down there, so it’s more a matter of convenience instead of travelling up the highway to South Croydon two or three times a week,” Allen said.

“He is 37 and didn’t miss a beat last year, and to play Premier (Eastern) footy he would’ve had to have done a full pre-season and he hasn’t been able to with Mornington travel.

“But we think we’ve recruited well enough to cover him.”

Allen pointed to emerging talent and recent signing Connor Smith as a potential suitor.

The 20-year-old midfielder is on Footscray’s VFL books – aligning with South from Eastern club Norwood this off-season – and could split his time between local and state level.

The coach also highlighted the signing of 19-year-old Tasmanian import Oscar Van Dam, who has linked with North Melbourne VFL after a stellar TSL season commanded strong interest from state league clubs.

Meanwhile, triple AFL premiership Hawk Liam Shiels and former Upwey Tecoma inside midfielder Sam Wicks have enjoyed solid pre-seasons in their new colours.

“Shiels and Sam Wicks have been really good for us in the practice games, so we’ve got more than enough cover,” Allen said.

South Croydon begins its season away to East Ringwood on April 12.