Former Richmond player Brett O’Hanlon returns to Edi-Asp in the MPNFL

RECRUITING footballers, especially ex-AFL players, can be hard work for local clubs. But Edi-Asp has landed a gun recruit without even lifting a finger.

Brett O'Hanlon, pictured playing with Richmond’s VFL side in 2014, has returned to Edithvale-Aspendale. Pictures: Angie Basdekis

RECRUITING footballers, especially ex-AFL players, can be hard work for local clubs.

But Edi-Asp has landed a gun recruit without even lifting a finger, with former Richmond left-footer Brett O’Hanlon literally walking in off the street.

“I was at training one night and he just walked up to me and said, ‘I want to come back’,’’ Edi-Asp coach Graeme Yeats said.

“He turned up and trained for the last three or four sessions before Christmas and I had a coffee with him and he seems pretty settled and ready to have another crack at it.’’

O’Hanlon, 24, who made nine appearances with Richmond between 2012-14, is an Edi-Asp junior and played seniors with the Eagles in 2015. He played with Mt Eliza last season.

Yeats said O’Hanlon would make a difference to Edi-Asp in 2018.

“We’ll definitely use him up the ground because you’ve got to utilise his kicking skills,’’ he said.

Edi-Asp’s other recruits include former Melbourne-listed forward Liam Hulett and decorated Noble Park players, midfielder Sam Monaghan and defender Tim Kelly.

*EDITHVALE Aspendale Junior Football Club has appointed Southern Football League interleague coach Ben Lockwood to steer its under 17 side.

Lockwood has been a senior coach at Mordialloc, East Malvern and Chelsea Heights and for the past two seasons has coached the SFL rep side with success.