Local footy clearances: EDFL transfers wrap for November

With the November transfer window closed, we take a look at the big names who will be at new clubs in 2021.

Lynden Dunn has landed at West Coburg after a 16-year AFL career. Picture: Getty Images

A former AFL player headlines the biggest off-season moves in the Essendon District Football League as clubs work to strengthen their lists for 2021.

While salary caps have been cut by 50 per cent across the three divisions as clubs focus on retention, there was no shortage of activity.

The clearance window will re-open in February, leaving plenty of time for more movement ahead of what is set to be a big season after 2020 was canned.

The biggest signing is not on the transfer list and did not come out of the competition’s top grade, with former Collingwood and Melbourne player Lynden Dunn joining Division 1 outfit West Coburg in a recruiting coup.

Dunn, who retired from the elite level after 198 games and 99 goals, is set to roam the forward 50m arc alongside Daniel Archer and Liam Bowkett.

The 33-year-old has signed on as a playing assistant coach for the next two seasons in a massive boost to the Burgers’ hopes of returning to Premier Division.

He will work with close friend and coach Dale May.

In Premier Division, 2019 premier Keilor waved goodbye to ex-AFL player Damien Cavka (Deer Park) and big man Brock McGregor (Caroline Spings), with the pair crossing to Western Region league clubs.

Damien Cavka is on the move. Picture: Jamie Morey

But the Blues did announce the return of gun ruckman and Reynolds medallist Andrew Browne earlier this year in a major plus.

Universally respected Maribyrnong Park skipper John McKenzie has opted to return to Tasmania and will take the field for Old Scotch Collegians in 2021.

McKenzie claimed the Lions’ best-and-fairest last year and has been selected in the Premier Division Team of the Year twice (2017 and 2019).

Last year’s Division 1 Premier Craigieburn has been hit hard as it prepares to compete against the EDFL’s elite, with reigning best-and-fairest winner Jesse Davies (Wallan), Dom Micallef, Sam Laffan (both Tullamarine) and Jacob McNicol (Girgarre) exiting.

Jake Young will return to Glenroy after kicking 26 goals for Sunbury Kangaroos and finishing fifth in their best-and-fairest in 2019.

Former Western Jet Tyler Miceli is set to depart Avondale Heights for Caroline Springs.

In Division 1, East Keilor lodged transfers for Chris Stewart (Deer Park), Fabian Brancatisano (Sunshine), Bruno Laguda (Essendon Doutta Stars), Nick Grigg (Rupertswood), Lachie Rayner, Jack Burns and Josh Klaromenos (both Hillside).

Chris Stewart is one of East Keilor’s big-name recruits. Picture: Local Legends Photography

On the back of a big recruiting haul following the 2019 campaign, the Cougars will start next season a red-hot premiership favourite.

But Tullamarine is assembling a list that could challenge, with proven goalkicker Dean Limbach signing on in recent days.

Limbach was set to play for Airport West in 2020 but has switched clubs after securing employment through Demons president Peter Labbad.

The veteran will be a familiar face for Division 1 backmen after booting 84 majors from 18 games for Craigieburn in 2018, while he has topped the 100-goal mark on several occasions.

Craigieburn premiership players Laffan and Micallef have also landed at the Demons, along with star defender Kirk Lang, while Russell Laurie will return.

While Hillside has lost several players, including five to East Keilor, since the end of last season, it has made some important additions.

Keilor premiership player Zak Wunhym has linked up with the Sharks, along with Diggers Rest’s Corey Wright, who was named in the Riddell District league Team of the Year in 2019.

Taylors Lakes has gained Aaron Di Matteo (Essendon Doutta Stars) and Nathan Kennedy (East Keilor), while Scott Polycarpou has departed after taking up a work opportunity in Horsham.

Roxburgh Park has secured Glenroy premiership player Trent Fisher and Andrew Marino (Mernda).

The EDFL’s newest club, Rupertswood, has lost former VFL-listed player Billy Cannolo, John Barnard, Leigh Wellington and Grigg.

On the plus side, the Sharks are set to welcome back Sunbury Kangaroos flag winner Nick Agnello.

In Division 2, Northern Saints have regained champion midfielders Tamer Abdallah and Eliot Kako.

Tamer Abdallah will be back in Northern Saints colours next year. Picture: Hamish Blair

The star duo had followed former Saints coach Brett Kennerley to VAFA side Westbourne Grammarians before the 2020 season was canned.

2019 runner-up Moonee Valley has locked in the return of big man Bevan Newell, who last took the field for the Fog in 2013.

Newell played 15 games for Hillside last season, was named in the best players four times and is expected to make a big impact in the third tier.

Best-and-fairest winner Rhys Gardener is also back at East Sunbury.

The defender enjoyed a standout season with Broadford in the RDFL last year, winning its best-and-fairest, finishing runner-up in the league medal and earning selection in the Team of the Year.

Other potential movements have not yet appeared on the clearances list.

Prepare for a frantic February.