EFNL 2025: Ex-AFL Cat James Parsons, VFL great Tom Wilson sign at Park Orchards

A former AFL Cat and a VFL great have put pen to paper at Eastern Division 1 club Park Orchards, as it looks to atone for grand final heartbreak.

James Parsons will be full-time at Park Orchards in 2025. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

Park Orchards’ bid for redemption is set to be aided by a double shot of ex-AFL and VFL talent following a shock grand final belting.

The Sharks fell to Mitcham in the Division 1 decider by 40 points after finishing the season on top of the ladder – but its latest additions could go some way to helping the club take the next step according to co-captain Kane Keppel.

Decorated VFL midfielder and former Northern Bullants captain Tom Wilson has aligned, crossing from North Ringwood.

Wilson, who has won five club best and fairests at state level, switched to Collingwood in 2023 after more than 150 games at Northern.

Tom Wilson. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Meanwhile, ex-AFL Cat James Parsons is set to inject experience into the Sharks’ midfield and attack, committing full-time for the 2025 season.

Parsons played 35 games for Geelong from 2017 to ’19 before state league stints with the Box Hill Hawks and Carlton amid a torrid run with injury.

Keppel said Wilson could see more time at local level next season after three appearances for North Ringwood this year.

And the recently-signed VFL great isn’t completely unfamiliar with his new teammates.

“Myself and (teammate) Mason Blakey played under Tom as our captain (in the VFL) for three years – we know him quite well,” Keppel, a former Northern Blue, said.

“And (Parsons) is one of my best mates and Tom Wilson’s his brother-in-law … it’s a bit of a small world situation and it took some convincing, but we got him (Wilson) across.”

Parsons initially aligned with the Sharks in 2023 as a playing-assistant coach – but injury put paid to any on-field appearances.

“We were hoping to see him for a couple of games when Box Hill had their breaks but in Round 1 (2024) he ruptured his Achilles and missed another full year just after his ACL, so he’s been unlucky with injuries,” Keppel said.

“We’re bloody lucky, he’s got a great head on his shoulders for coaching as well as (being) a full-time player.

“He’s a sensational footballer … we’re really looking forward to it – he’ll play a lot of time in the midfield and move forward.”

Park Orchards fired off just two goals in its grand final defeat after finishing three games clear on top of the ladder this year.

But Keppel said the missed opportunity would drive the Sharks in 2025.

“It’s a redemption year for us,” he said.

“I hadn’t played in a grand final (for) eight years prior to this which I lost also – I’m still chasing that glory on a personal level.

“Grand finals come and go very quickly and you don’t always get the opportunity to win one, so you’ve got to grasp it with both hands.

“We know exactly what we’re chasing, and I believe we have the blokes on the track to do it, and the head coach to get us there, it’s all about preparation throughout the year and making sure we actually show up this year.”

Park Orchards opens its season at home to South Belgrave on April 5.