Local footy: EDFL club Hillside secures key signings for 2021
Essendon District Football League Division 1 outfit Hillside has landed a trio of recruits for next season, headlined by a Riddell District league Team of the Year member.
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Hillside has locked in three signings as coach Charlie Denaro moves closer to completing his senior squad for the 2021 Essendon District Football League season.
The Sharks have boosted their line up by securing young gun Corey Wright, who was named in the Riddell District league Team of the Year in 2019.
The midfielder has been a key member of Diggers Rest’s team in recent seasons.
“Corey was on our radar last year, but we had a bit of chat and we made it happen, which was fantastic,” Denaro said.
“He’s 21 or 22 and a really respected player at Diggers, was in their leadership group and you can already see that with the stuff he’s doing at the moment.
“He will slot straight into our midfield. He’s a really hard at it, skilful midfielder and an inside midfielder who will complement what we’ve got on the outside.
“We’re trying to get a really good stock of midfielders, both inside and out, with really good endurance.”
Hillside has also signed key forward John Baker, who has ample experience at Sunbury Kangaroos and Lancefield.
The 29-year-old was a goalkicker of note in the RDFL, booting 125 goals from 2012-14.
“He’s a monster of a bloke, he’s going to be a force,” Denaro said.
“He’s had a couple of years off due to injury but he’s been working hard on his fitness. He is a big, strong forward and the traditional stay-at-home forward.
“He’s good mates with a few of our blokes.”
Chris Samagalski has linked up with the Sharks from Riddell, where he has played five senior games in the past two years.
“We’re excited. He will probably come across as an unheralded player, but we’re hoping he could be one that maybe surprises a lot of people, including ourselves,” Denaro said.
Keilor premiership player Zak Wunhym put pen to paper with the club in August, while 2020 recruits Josh Trembearth, Hisham Kerbatieh and Joel Bonnici have recommitted.
The Sharks have lost five players to Division 1 rival East Keilor since the end of the 2019 season – best-and-fairest winner Lockie Rayner, Victor Micallef, Brandon Coletta, Joshua Klaromenos and Jack Burns.
Big man Bevan Newell has returned to Division 2 outfit Moonee Valley.
“We’re not bitter with anyone,” Denaro said.
“With COVID, there are more important things than football and we wish everyone the best on the way out.
Denaro said Hillside would look to add “one or two more” players ahead of next season.
The former Moonee Valley mentor replaced Steve Burns after last year’s campaign following three seasons as an assistant.
The Sharks finished in fifth position in 2019.
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