EFNL 2025: Mitcham snares top NZ talent, VFL Hawk
One of New Zealand’s top rising stars has linked with Eastern Premier outfit Mitcham, while a VFL Hawk will carry on a longstanding family legacy at the club.
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Forwards were on the recruiting wishlist, and the newly-promoted Premier Division club has ticked the box – twice.
Mitcham has received a late pre-season boost with the signing of highly-touted New Zealand import Lachie McBride and VFL-listed gun Will Kellar ahead of its return to the top-flight.
The 195cm McBride crosses from the Christchurch Bulldogs in the Canterbury Australian Football League where he was named vice-captain in the team of the year at centre half-forward in 2023 and ’24.
The strong-marking 21-year-old twice topped the league goalkicking, and represented New Zealand at the Pacific Cup in 2024 where he was named player of the tournament.
In 2023 he was awarded New Zealand’s best under-19 player.
Mitcham senior coach Neil Winterton said the rising star would slot in seamlessly as he worked towards catching the eye of state league clubs.
“He’s a forward, and that was something we were looking to add,” Winterton said.
“I would assume he’s going to be pretty raw, but if he’s coming over from New Zealand to Melbourne purely for footy, he’s obviously got some talent.
“He’s looking to potentially step up into the VFL whenever that may be – he’s certainly got the attributes to be a good player … he’s an exciting addition.”
Kellar has aligned with the Tigers after landing a spot on Box Hill’s VFL list.
He arrives from AFL Canberra top-division club Queanbeyan, where he made his senior debut at 16 in 2022.
The 19-year-old half-forward also spent time with the GWS Academy, and was best-afield in Queanbeyan's premiership last season, kicking four goals to win the Alex Jesaulenko Medal.
A longstanding family connection steered the VFL Hawk to Walker Park, with father Ross and uncle Gav previously playing for the club.
“He’s linked up with Box Hill … how often we see him, or if we see him, is a bit of an unknown but he certainly brings a lot to the table,” Winterton said.
“He’s super fit, runs an unbelievably quick six-minute two-k’er, and knows where the goals are.
“It’s exciting to get someone of his calibre – I know other Premier teams were chasing him pretty hard.
“If we do get him at any stage, he’s going to be a nice asset to us.”
The pair’s inclusion follows a package of pre-Christmas signings as the club prepares for its first top-division campaign since 2006.
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