EFNL 2025: Mulgrave’s plan to cover loss of ex-Bulldog Lin Jong

The Eastern club is preparing for life without one of its biggest stars – ex-Bulldog Lin Jong – but the coach is confident his group can overcome his loss this season.

Lin Jong has departed Mulgrave after two seasons. Picture: Davis Harrigan

MULGRAVE is preparing for life without one of its biggest stars – but the coach is confident the club can overcome his loss this season.

Former Western Bulldog Lin Jong has departed the Eastern league Division 2 club after two seasons, where he finished runner-up for the competition best and fairest last year.

Jong, who played 65 AFL games from 2012 to 2021 and won two VFL premierships with Footscray, has linked with suburban powerhouse Deer Park, which competes in the Essendon District league’s Premier Division.

The 31-year-old lives in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Mulgrave senior coach Matt Richards said the club would still benefit from Jong’s “huge” influence during his two-year stay.

Jong played alongside ex-Bulldogs teammate Fletcher Roberts at Mulgrave for the past two seasons – with Roberts recommitted as playing-assistant for 2025.

“He’s (Jong) gone over there with our blessing but he’s definitely still part of our family, his school mates are still at the club and Fletcher Roberts, his best mate, is still at the club,” Richards said.

“It was just too hard logistically to keep coming over the bridge.

“For me, it’s the positives we take out of having him for two years and what we’ve learnt – we’ll still implement what he drove over the last two years with our midfield group in particular.

“He’s still a resource we can tap into … if ever I need to call him for advice, I count him as a mate.

“Huge loss, but we move on and look at the benefits we’ve had with him.”

Mulgrave coach Matt Richards.

The club has moved to address Jong’s absence, signing inside midfielders Josh Parker and Matt Albrecht from Premier club Berwick.

“They’ll complement the mids we already have – we’re not trying to replace Lin in any way, but we knew we had some weaknesses that we had to address,” Richards said.

“We just needed some solid boys who can handle the heat in there, so we’re rapt with those two.”

Hulking defender Lloyd Butcher has crossed from Castlemaine – with the 200cm talent returning to the Eastern league after a previous stint with the Waverley Blues.

“We were looking for a back-up ruckman – not just someone who can just play in the ruck. He’s a big unit,” Richards said.

Northern Bullants VFL-listed utility Wal Wuol has also signed, crossing from Berwick where he was aligned.

Wal Wuol on the go for the Bullants. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“His cousin (David) has been at the club for three years, coming through our ‘19s and junior club,” Richards said.

“We just wanted to have a bit of X-factor late in the season, if it works out that way for us.

“Most clubs have that VFL connection, so when it came about, we jumped on it.”

Meanwhile, there are high hopes for the club’s emerging stocks making an impact at senior level this season.

“Our ‘19s went through undefeated last year (in the home-and-away season) … they’re just a big, strong unit,” Richards said.

“They’re ready to play senior footy, we’re pretty fortunate in that regard.”

Mulgrave has contested finals for the past two seasons, breaking through for its first appearance in almost a decade in 2023.

Last year’s 19-point preliminary final loss to Croydon has whet the appetite for 2025 according to the coach – as the club celebrates its centenary year.

“Having played in finals now, which we hadn’t done for a long time, (we know) what’s needed to win finals,” Richards said.

“Last year we got there – we got smashed by injuries late … and we go down by 19 points in that last final.

“We absolutely want to have a crack – we’re not just there to make up the numbers.”