Local footy 2020: Where you can watch ex-AFL players in action
With the suburban footy transfer window reopening this weekend, we reveal the big names who have put pen to paper with local clubs for this season.
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Several suburban clubs rolled the welcome mat out for ex-AFL players during the November transfer window in preparation for 2020.
The VAFA, NFL and EFL were among the local footy competitions to welcome players with experience at the top level.
With the clearance window set to re-open on Saturday, we look at where some of the big names will play this season.
David Myers (Northcote Park)
Watch out, NFL defenders. The former Essendon midfielder is set to spend plenty of time causing myriad headaches for opposition backmen this season, with Northcote Park coach Barry Mitchell forecasting a role in the attacking half. Standing 191cm, Myers will be tough to match up on and played 122 games for the Bombers in a fine career between 2008-19. “He’s had a distinguished AFL career, so with his experience and ability he’s going to be a great asset for us, not only as a player but also as an on-field coach,” Mitchell said. “He’s probably 6 foot 3, so he might play a bit of time forward and try and catch the ball for us.”
Tom Boyd (St Kevin’s)
VAFA powerhouse SKOBs will have one of the most potent forward lines in local footy this year, with Boyd set to take the field alongside former North Melbourne and Carlton sharpshooter Jarrad Waite, ex-Carlton player Patrick Kerr and elusive goalkicker Billy Kanakis. Boyd, a member of the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 drought-breaking premiership side, played six matches for junior club Norwood in the EFL last season after announcing his AFL retirement, booting 15 goals.
Robin Nahas (North Ringwood)
The former Richmond and North Melbourne goalsneak will serve as a playing coach at the EFL outfit this season, having played 117 games at AFL level from 2009-16. Nahas was an assistant to Gary Ayres at Port Melbourne in 2019 and was a member of the Borough’s 2017 VFL flag. He has a young list at his disposal at North Ringwood. “We wanted to go ahead with a playing coach because, to be honest, the last success we had as a football club was through Brett Moyle, who came as a playing coach for the first couple of years,” Saints president Lee Robinson said.
Ryan Schoenmakers (Old Xaverians)
A member of Hawthorn’s 2015 premiership side, Schoenmakers made 121 appearances from 2009-19 in a golden period for the Hawks. Having played alongside some of the game’s greats, he will bring invaluable knowledge to VAFA power Old Xaverians, who suffered a straight-sets finals exit last year. Schoenmakers was drafted from the SANFL and also attracted interest from Old Melburnians.
David Armitage (Collegians)
The former St Kilda midfielder is one of two big signings at Collegians so far, joining ex-Hawthorn defender David Mirra. Armitage brings 169 games of AFL experience to the VAFA Premier outfit and was runner-up in the Saints best-and-fairest in 2015. “We wanted to add some depth and experience to our midfield, and David has played football at the highest level for 12, 13 years,” Collegians coach Shane Joyce said.
Mark Baguley (Langwarrin)
Langwarrin unveiled the prized signing of the Essendon defender/forward before the November clearance window was declared open. Baguley played in Langy’s 2005 senior premiership as an 18-year-old — he has a premiership tattoo on his ankle — and still has plenty of friends at the MPFNL outfit. Baguley made 134 appearances for the Bombers over eight seasons after they took him as a mature-age rookie from VFL side Frankston. “When I got drafted I always said I wanted to come back and play for Langy so I’ve got the opportunity now and I’m excited,” Baguley told GameFace in October.
Alex Fasolo (Montmorency)
Fasolo was dangerous around goals at his best, winning Collingwood’s goalkicking in 2016 and finishing his career with 135 goals from 104 games for the Magpies and Blues. He joins dynamic onballer Ben Kennedy at Montmorency, with the former Collingwood and Melbourne player returning after a stint in the VFL with Williamstown, making for a fruitful off-season for the NFL Division 1 club.
Mav Weller (Doncaster East)
Weller retired from the AFL at the end of last season on the high of Richmond’s VFL premiership triumph and will take the field for EFL Premier Division side Doncaster East in 2020. The inside midfielder made 123 appearances for three clubs – Gold Coast, St Kilda and Richmond – at the top level, after being snapped up as a rookie in 2014. “We touched base with him shortly after that (retirement) and he knows Tom Appleby from our footy club and one of my best mates, who lives in Queensland, manages his brother (Lachie),” Doncaster East coach Steve Buckle said. “He was obviously putting in a good word for us as well.”
Zac Clarke (Doncaster East)
The former Fremantle and Essendon big man has a connection to Zerbes Reserve through a link with fellow West Australians Chris Phelan and Simon White, who both featured in last year’s Division 1 premiership, and is a massive addition for the club as it prepares for life in the top flight. Clarke played 101 games for Fremantle from 2009-17 before earning a lifeline at Essendon last year, where he managed nine matches. “He’ll be pretty hard to stop,” Doncaster East president Pete Sowersby said. “He played 110 AFL games so the experience he is going to have for our club hopefully helps get a through people through the gate. He is going to be huge.
Nick Graham (West Footscray)
There will be three Grahams roaming the midfield at the WRFL Division 2 club this year, with Nick joined by brothers Brian and Chris. While all three are significant additions, Nick has six years and 48 games of AFL experience at Carlton and crosses from Darley. The Roosters have been rebuilding the past four seasons after qualifying for the 2015 grand final and claimed five wins in 2019, but expect them to be a finals contender this year. Nick Graham has taken on the role of co-coach alongside Shane Lucas.
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