Local footy: The best last minute deals before clearance closure
The local footy clearance window has now slammed shut and there have been some big moves on the deadline from ex-AFL guns to VFL listed stars. See the biggest here.
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The local footy clearance window is officially shut.
Players are no longer able to move clubs after AFL Victoria’s transfer window closed on Monday.
Here’s a look at the best last minute deals from across the state.
Jack Boyd (Old Xaverians, VAFA)
Has returned after two years in the SANFL. Boyd comes back at a time where some key pieces for Xavs are missing. He kicked two goals in his first senior game back on the weekend.
Nikoda Brooking (Donvale, EFNL)
Former Warrandyte vice-captain Nikoda Brooking has been cleared to Eastern Division 3 ladder-leader Donvale. A noted goalkicker, Brooking has featured in two reserve-grade matches for the Vales this June after representing Southern Districts in the NT last year.
Lachlan Evans (Burnside Heights, EDFL)
Evans is back with the Bears after a half season stint with Mernda. On his day, he’s comfortably one of the best players in this division and could help Burnside surprise a few on the run home.
Cooper Ferries (Black Rock, SFNL)
After playing seven games at Powelltown this season, the star defender has been applied for a clearance back to Black Rock where he is a best and fairest winner in 2021, and a senior premiership player in 2022.
Lachlan Filipovic (Ormond, VAFA)
The former VFL big man hasn’t played this season but he’s been cleared to the VAFA Division 1 leader for the rest of the season. While his on-field ability is a huge plus, his experience will be invaluable for many of his less experienced teammates.
Brent Harvey (Trentham, MCDFNL)
Made his debut for Trentham on the weekend and is expected to play several games to qualify for finals footy. He was brought to the club by connections.
Parker Heatley (North Heidelberg, NFNL)
Undoubtedly, the biggest name to make a mid-season move. The reigning NFNL Division 1 league goalkicker is back at Shelley Reserve after spending the first half of the year at Ovens and Murray club Wangaratta. Was the Magpies’ leading forward, playing under his father Jason. Made an instant impact on his return, bagging three goals on Saturday as the Bulldogs defeated top-five rival Banyule. A huge fill-up to North’s finals aspirations.
Harry Lang (Emerald, OEFNL)
The premiership-winning centre-half-back has been cleared back to the Bombers from Tooradin-Dalmore just in case he wants to have a kick.
Archie Lazzaro (Old Geelong, VAFA)
The Port Melbourne VFL listed midfielder/forward has switched local clubs to Old Geelong in Premier B. He’s made an immediate impact since making the move.
Jack McCartney (St Paul’s McKinnon, Southern)
McCartney has followed in the footsteps of his brother Will and crossed from Shepparton United. Jack made the move due to a change in work commitments.
Fletcher Merrigan (Pakenham, OEFN)
After a very brief stint in the West Gippsland league with Koo Wee Rup, the young mid/forward has returned to the Lions.
Amin Naim (Newport, WFNL)
Listed by the Northern Bullants, Naim adds quality to a Panthers side and he was among the best in his first game for the club.
Omar Saad (West Coburg, EDFL)
Saad moved to Newport for the first half of the season and kicked 16 goals in eight games. He’s now back with the Burgers. His quality in the EDFL is well known after kicking 60 goals in the run to the grand final last season.
Ashleigh Snow (Eltham, NFNL)
With West Preston-Lakeside’s senior women’s side falling over, Snow has crossed to Eltham. It’s a significant coup for the Panthers as they chase a flag in Division 1. Snow claimed the Division 1 league best-and-fairest and Coaches’ MVP double in 2022 with the Roosters. That earned her a chance with Western Bulldogs VFLW, playing eight games in 2018 and another 15 in 2024 before stepping away.
Dane Swan (Oakleigh District, EFNL)
Oakleigh District has snared AFL great Dane Swan for the rest of the season in a huge lift to its Eastern Division 3 finals hopes. The five-time All Australian laced up for the Oaks in a guest appearance on June 14 – gathering 40 disposals – but hinted post-match he may be back soon. On Tuesday morning, the club confirmed the 41-year-old’s signing, just in time for its top-five push with six home-and-away rounds to play.
Lachlan Swaney (Eltham, NFNL)
A solid mid-season addition for the Panthers. After playing five senior games for Old Melburnians in VAFA Premier B, Swaney made the move to Central Park and stepped straight into the Eltham senior team. Made his club debut in Saturday’s loss to South Morang. Played nine games in VAFA Premier A in 2024 and played Carlton VFL from 2021 to 2023.
Max Warren (Healesville, OEFNL)
An urge to play alongside his brother has brought the former North Melbourne AFL player out of retirement, after a four-year lay-off. He kicked four goals in the Bloods’ 55-point win over Emerald on Saturday.
Ben Weightman (Mt Pleasant, HDFNL)
After a couple of seasons in metro footy, his 2024 impacted by injury, Weightman has returned to Mt Pleasant in the Heathcote District league. Made a perfect return on the weekend with eight majors.
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