Local footy: Jack Charleston signs at VAFA club University Blacks

University Blacks have been busy strengthening their list, locking in a member of the 2019 VFL Team of the Year.

Jack Charleston had a fine career for Williamstown in the VFL. Picture: Getty Images

University Blacks’ bid to return the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s top flight has received a boost with former VFL star Jack Charleston putting pen to paper with the club.

Charleston played 137 games for Williamstown over eight seasons before making the call to step back from state league level at the end of 2019.

Charleston was vice-captain in his final season at the Seagulls and earned selection in the VFL Team of the Year.

He featured in Williamstown’s 2015 premiership, finished third in the best-and-fairest in 2018 and was also recognised as a life member.

“We were looking for a coach, so I touched base and it seemed he wanted to play and coach, which was an added bonus. It went from there,” Uni Blacks coach Dale Bower said.

“What he adds to us as a player and with his footy IQ on field will be great, and his character as well.

“We’re really over the moon.”

While Charleston made his name as a top small defender in the VFL, earning praise for his run and carry and selfless attitude, he will be unleashed in the midfield next season.

Charleston claimed Western Jets’ best-and-fairest in 2011 as a midfielder and started his career at Williamstown in the middle of the ground.

But he quickly showcased his ability to shut down opposition small forwards and played a key role in the Seagulls’ run of finals appearances.

Dale Bower has assembled a strong squad for 2021. Picture: Hamish Blair

Bower was Williamstown’s backline coach in 2013 but said he was more than happy to put his club’s new playing assistant coach in the midfield.

“When I got down there (at Williamstown), he was in his second year and seemed to be part of the furniture in the backline,” he said of Charleston.

“I assumed he’d played most of his career there.

“He did say he was pretty keen to have a crack in the midfield next year, so I was more than happy to have him in there.”

Matthew Dea, who spent 10 years in the AFL system and played 70 games for Richmond and Essendon, has recommitted as a playing assistant coach and will take charge of the defence.

Uni Blacks have also retained ex-North Melbourne VFL player Mitch Rodd and James Sansom, who crossed from Old Scotch.

They have signed key position player Darren Mumford and rebounding defender Matt Goyder from Perth Football League outfit University.

Goyden also has experience with Claremont in the WAFL.

2020 recruit Lachlan Waddell has exited to link up with Hamilton Kangaroos after securing a job in the area.

Since they were relegated from Premier in 2017, Uni Blacks have suffered painful preliminary final defeats in consecutive Premier B campaigns, losing to Old Carey by four points in 2018 and Old Scotch by five points in 2019.

“I think there’s a bit of desire that will carry over from 2018 and 2019, losing by under a kick in both those prelims,” Bower said.

“You put that together with losing 2020, I think there’s a fair bit of desire among the players, coaches, committee, everyone, to have a real good crack at it and get up (to Premier).”