Five former AFL players join Box Hill Hawks in the VFL

The Hawks have added six recruits and re-signed their top-liners as they shape up well for the 2021 season.

Ex-Bulldog Fergus Greene is now a Hawk.

Box Hill Hawks have not finalised their 2021 list.

But they have signed off on the over-22 component of their squad as they prepare for the new-look VFL competition.

Two former Western Bulldogs, an ex-Brisbane Lion, a former Cat and a delisted Saint are among the new faces to the City Oval.

Fergus Greene and Callum Porter were both let go by the Dogs at the end of 2020.

Half forward Greene’s five AFL games came in 2018, and onballer Porter made his sole AFL appearance last year.

Both were well-sought by state league clubs but chose to join the Hawks and play under new coach Sam Mitchell.

Hugh Beasley, a key defender who played in Richmond’s 2019 VFL premiership, has also made his way to the City Oval.

Beasley, 25, played six AFL games with Brisbane before returning to Melbourne and linking with the Tigers in 2017.

Callum Porter playing for the Western Bulldogs last season.

Jordan Cunico, who had 15 AFL matches for Geelong from 2015-19, and Ed Phillips, who played the same number of games for St Kilda from 2017-20, will also wear the brown and gold jumper this year.

Phillips is the brother of new AFL Hawk and former Magpie Tom.

Under new league rules the aligned clubs can list only 12 players over the age of 22.

Porter and the returning Trent Mynott, the former Essendon rookie, are both under 22.

Like Mynott, captain Damian Mascitti, key 2020 signing Josh Deluca, the fast-emerging Vince Adduci, Brayden Kilpatrick, Stuart Horner, Lachie Walker and Mason De Wit have recommitted.

The Hawks have also snaffled speedster Lachie Bramble from Williamstown.

Nathan Mullenger-McHugh (Coburg) is a notable departure.

Box Hill general manager Dan Napoli said the club was pleased with how its list was coming together.

He said that with positions tight, the Hawks had to turn away some well-credentialed players.

Bramble will strike some familiar faces on the Box Hill coaching staff.

Willy’s 2015 senior premiership coach Andy Collins returned to the City Oval as senior assistant to Mitchell, and he brought with him three of his assistant coaches: Hawthorn premiership player Clinton Young, Clint Proctor and Clay Illman.

Former Tassie Devils player Aaron Cornelius is also part of Mitchell’s panel.

Meanwhile club great David Banfield will head up the Academy program, supported by Jason Philactides and Kade Pargeter.