Greensborough hopes star recruit Nathan Hrovat can become long-term star
Greensborough recruit Nathan Hrovat is expected to only feature in three games for the Borough this season but president Russell Grubb believes the former AFL midfielder can be a long-term star in the NFL.
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Greensborough believes marquee signing Nathan Hrovat can become a long-term star of the club.
The former Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne wingman will suit up for the NFL Division 1 club when his VFL duties with the Kangaroos allow.
Hrovat, 25, is expected to play only three games – plus any potential finals – this season but Borough president Russell Grubb has bigger plans.
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“He won’t play many games, not this year, but the idea is long-term,” Grubb said.
“He’ll be an important player for us – potentially this year – but also down the track. We see him spending the rest of his career at Greensborough once he’s finished VFL.
“At this stage there are three games that he’s able to play, and possible more.
“We’ll see how the club is going and we’ll make a decision after that, we’ve got to make the finals first and if Nathan is able to be a part of that, then great.”
Hrovat played 69 games for the Bulldogs and Kangaroos before being delisted by North last season but he will stay on with the club’s VFL side.
The Mill Park junior was taken by the Dogs with pick 21 in the 2012 national draft.
Grubb hopes Hrovat can have a similar impact to former Brisbane Lions and Carlton midfielder Tom Bell, who starred in his first season with Greensborough last year, winning the NFL’s Frank Rosbrook Medal.
“What we want is long-term success, keeping the players we’ve got – improving them – bringing the juniors through and topping up with good people. Nathan is terrific, so we’re really pleased to have him,” he said.
“Tom Bell has been outstanding for the club, he’s a selfless person and his performances last year were fantastic.”
The Borough have retained the majority of the squad that dominated last season before a shock loss to West Preston-Lakeside in the grand final.
James McCubbin has arrived, joining his brother Zak at War Memorial Reserve, after 49 games with Eastern league outfit Mitcham.
“He’s a very similar type in body shape and height, he might be a little bit quicker. We’re really excited to get him on board,” Grubb said.
On the minus side, gun midfielder Charlie Molyneux has returned to South Australia, while Nick Beames has joined Lower Plenty.
Greensborough has locked in a pair of EFL heavyweights for pre-season hitouts, facing Balwyn (March 14) and Doncaster East (March 28).
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