EFNL 2025: How ex-AFL forward Sam Weideman, Vermont are tracking this pre-season

The Eastern powerhouse snared one of the recruits of the off-season fresh out of the AFL, while another big signing is set to be sidelined. And a gun recruit has walked in off the street ...

Vermont coach Matt Adolph with ex-AFL forward Sam Weideman. Picture: Supplied

VERMONT is set for a shake-up on-field amid an off-season of change – headlined by the inclusion of ex-AFL forward Sam Weideman.

The former Demon and Bomber, who played 76 games from 2016-2022, returned to his junior club in October following his AFL delisting, and has been elevated to the Eagles’ leadership group.

Incoming Vermont coach Matt Adolph – who replaced Adam Parker in September – said Weideman had already made an impact this pre-season.

“His leadership has been invaluable and the training standards has allowed our group to go to another level,” Adolph said.

“I think a lot of the younger boys attach themselves to him a little bit – a lot of the young kids have still got that dream to play AFL footy.

“He’s been outstanding, not just for our playing group, but even our junior program … he’s made himself available to do a few Q&As and get down there when he can.”

The 27-year-old is slated to play mostly forward – but Adolph declared his role would be an “opposition to opposition scenario”.

“If we think we can go tall down forward and get an advantage, then we’ll go that way,” he said.

“It’ll be a week-by-week basis, but I see him playing predominantly forward, (or) if we need a chop-out in the ruck or down back (he can) … what I am trying to bring to the group is don’t pigeon-hole yourself in one position – that’ll get the best out of the group I think.”

In a further boost, former Balwyn man Yarran Jaffer-Williams has signed – with the zippy midfielder and forward walking in off the street after two seasons at Norwood.

“He reached out to the footy club … he just wants to play Premier Division footy,” Adolph said.

“He’s applied himself really well, his experience is unbelievable. He’s another one with his experience and being an older head that’s lifted the training standards and come back super fit.

“He fell into our lap, really.”

But returning premiership ruckman Liam Buxton is set to miss the opening two months as he recovers from a patella injury.

Adolph said the star recruit was a “week-by-week” proposition.

“We’ve got an outstanding strength and conditioning bloke who’s been part of his recovery since he signed with us,” he said.

“He’s tracking along pretty good, he had a slight setback, but I think being optimistic, we may see him around Round 8 to 10, hopefully.”

Liam Buxton (left) has returned from Sorrento but is set to miss the early part of the season. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The No.1 ruck spot remains up for grabs with Buxton’s lay-off and the departure of Mason Hawkins to Hampton Park – but the Eagles have had former Melbourne Demon Leigh Newton teaching the craft as a part-time ruck coach this pre-season.

“He’s been a massive asset to us over the pre-season,” Adolph said.

“It’s helped the development of Zak Martin from our under-19s program, Tom Bunning who’s played development footy last year (along with) Angus Strachan … hopefully one of them get an opportunity, but it all comes down to how they perform.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Lochie Jenkins will miss the season as he recovers from a leg injury – but premiership star Alex Greenwood and young gun Harry Banfield are set to return from long lay-offs, in a major lift to the engine room.

Other recruits include Josh Maric (Drouin), Collingwood VFL-listed talent Hayden Brown (Beaconsfield), speedy ex-Oakleigh Charger Kane Oppy (Park Orchards), former junior Charlie Richardson (Brighton Grammar, APS) who is also training with Richmond VFL, and under-19 product and small forward/on-baller Jordan Hider following a stint with the Eastern Ranges.

Vermont opens its season away to Mitcham on April 13.

Practice matches

March 23 — Uni Blacks at Healesville FC

March 29 — Old Scotch at Livingstone Reserve

April 5 — Leopold at Leopold Memorial Reserve