EFNL: Former Ranges vice-captain among East Ringwood inclusions

A former NAB League star is the latest addition to the ‘Roos in an already fruitful pre-season for the Eastern Division 1 club.

Keedle flies in for a grab during his Ranges days.

A former Eastern Ranges vice-captain is the latest addition at East Ringwood, complementing an already fruitful pre-season for the Eastern league Division 1 club.

The ‘Roos have added Mitch Keedle to a long list of new and returning names for the upcoming season, crossing from top-tier club North Ringwood after stints with Mitcham, Balwyn and Chirnside Park.

The former Eastern Ranges talent was vice-captain of the NAB League club in 2013 when it won the premiership, where he was touted as an AFL draft prospect that year.

Keedle takes a screamer for the Ranges. Picture: AFL Photos

Osborne said existing friendships at East Ringwood attracted Keedle to the club, where he’s slated to play across half back or on a wing.

“There’s no pressure on him, he’s had some injury issues in the past but he’s keen and not missing a session and he’s played a good standard of footy having been at Balwyn and the Eastern Ranges program as well,” Osborne said.

“He’s quite a talented player and hopefully we get him fit and raring to go.

“We weren’t sure last year whether he wanted to play and he wasn’t sure but now he’s really keen – it’s a nice added bonus that’s popped out of nowhere.

“He’s a good user of the footy, sees the game really well and he can really set us up and attack from our backline.”

Keedle’s inclusion comes after the additions of South Croydon premiership defender Dale Walker as a playing-assistant, Coburg co-captain Ryan Exon aligning with the club, 2016 best and fairest Josh Weightman returning from his VFL stint with Coburg and midfielder Jayden Battaglene committing following a year with QAFL outfit Sandgate.

Meanwhile, star ruckmen Andrew Renton and Dean Cleven are yet to decide on their playing futures.

Dale Walker in action for South Croydon. Picture: David Crosling

Osborne said Walker’s impact as an assistant on the track this pre-season had been “brilliant”.

“I think that’s the great thing about having a playing-assistant coach – he lives it with the boys out on the ground and having his guidance out there you can see he just has that respect straight away,” he said.

“He just brings that fierceness to training – his knowledge is brilliant, and he passes that on really well. You can’t have enough leaders out on the ground.”

Morale is high at the ‘Roos with strong numbers on the track ahead of their season-opener at home against Croydon on April 10.

“We’re in really high spirits … in a really strong position numbers-wise and really exciting youth coming through mixed with experience that we’ve got,” Osborne said.