Locked in: 135 of the best recruits set to dazzle in local footy in 2022
Pen is still hitting paper and there’s a H-U-G-E list of top signings for Vic metro and country clubs for 2022, including a bunch from the AFL.
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It’s game on for recruiting all over the state as clubs try to land the players to take them to another rung in 2022.
Here is a long list of the best signings so far – and no doubt there are more to come.
Ethan Abraham, Essendon Doutta Stars, Essendon District
The son of North Melbourne and Fremantle high-flyer Winston, Abraham is a 6’4 forward playing in the NTFL but he will suit up at the Stars next season and hopefully bring a bit of the old man’s magic around goals.
Paul Ahern, Pascoe Vale, Essendon District
The former GWS and North Melbourne midfielder spent one VFL season with Northern Bullants but has decided to return to local football with his junior team, Pascoe Vale. The bullocking onballer will ensure the Panthers remain a finals contender.
Shayne Allan, Noble Park, Eastern
The dual premiership forward makes a welcome return to the Bulls, having kicked 416 goals across 191 games at Moodemere St. He finished up at the Bulls at the end of 2017, before stints with Pascoe Vale (Essendon DFL) and Edithvale-Aspendale (MPNFL).
Darryl Anderson, Essendon Doutta Stars, Essendon District
Anderson is 20 and played seven games in the WAFL reserves for South Fremantle this season. The 175cm midfielder will add some dash and a goalkicking threat to the Stars’ midfield following the departure of Jordan Schroder.
Lachlan Armstrong, Beechworth, Tallangatta and District
Armstrong was centre half forward in Rosebud’s 2015 premiership and has been a leading player in the Mornington Peninsula league for years. He’s moved to Beechworth to continue his work as a firefighter for the Wodonga Fire Brigade.
Matt Arnot, Vermont, Eastern
The 28-year-old joins Vermont from Port Melbourne in the VFL where he spent five seasons, following a three-year stint with Richmond that brought him eight AFL games. Links up with the Eagles after playing junior football with the club.
Shaun Atley, Rochester, Goulburn Valley
After being delisted by North Melbourne, Atley returned close to home where he could play alongside his brothers Jacob and Joe, who captained Essendon’s VFL side this year. He looks set to spend a lot of time in the midfield next season.
Logan Austin, Bairnsdale, Gippsland
A tremendous list of players has joined Gippy’s major league and Austin was the first player locked in for 2022, signing with the Redlegs as senior coach. Austin’s parents live at Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale had been talking to him for some time. This year the 26-year-old played for Rochester in the Goulburn Valley. Drafted in 2015, Austin, 194cm, played 13 AFL games for Port Adelaide from 2015-17 and added seven more at St Kilda from 2018-20.
Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, North Heidelberg, Northern
The Coburg VFL-listed midfielder-defender returns to Shelley Reserve after one season with junior club Epping. Baddeley-Kelly broke through for one VFL game this year and will hope a return to NFL Division 1 footy can earn him greater opportunity.
Angus Baker, Wodonga, Ovens and Murray
Baker is a top-line talent having missed out on a spot on Essendon’s AFL list for the 2021 season behind Alec Waterman. He spent time with GWS Giants VFL team this year after a successful stint with Canberra in the NEAFL. At just 23, he arrives at the club as one of the top recruits across the state.
Ryan Bastinac, Pearcedale, MPNFL
Bastinac, 30, played 164 AFL games for North Melbourne and Brisbane between 2010-19. This year he played in the VFL with Aspley. Now he’s returning to Pearcedale, where he played in an under-16 premiership in 2007 before embarking on his journey to the elite level.
Nick Batsanis, Templestowe, Eastern
The former Doncaster East captain led the Lions to back-to-back flags in 2018 and ’19 before joining Rosebud where he spent last season. But he returns to the Dockers where he previously played 40 games and won the 2013 best and fairest, last playing for the club in 2015. The midfielder was named in the Eastern league’s team of the year on three occasions from 2016 to 2018 – including 2017 as captain, and will serve as a playing-assistant for Templestowe.
Brad Batten-Leitch, Montrose, Eastern
The sharpshooter returns following two seasons with Coldstream. He played with the Demons when they competed in the top division before joining the Cougars in 2019, where he topped the goalkicking and earned a team-of-the-year nod. Followed up nicely this season with another team-of-the-year honour off the back of 21 goals from 10 matches to help Coldstream to an undefeated minor premiership in Division 4.
Nick Battle, Devon Meadows, MPNFL
The 25-year-old is the brother of St Kilda player Josh Battle. Nick is a former Doveton and Doveton Eagles elite play maker who had an outstanding season with Beaconsfield in AFL Outer East this year.
Brett Bewley, Darley, Ballarat
The former Fremantle midfielder returns directly to local football and to his junior club after 25 AFL games for the Dockers. The 26-year-old is a massive coup for the Devils, who didn’t win a game in 2021 and have a new coach in Dan Jordan.
Aaron Black, Modewarre, Bellarine
In former North Melbourne and Geelong key position player Aaron Black, Modewarre has gained its biggest recruit in recent memory. Black was aligned to the Warriors this year but will be a full-time player in 2022 after retiring from the VFL. He has captained Geelong’s reserves for the past three seasons. The West Australian has also been a part of Geelong’s AFLW coaching panel.
Ryan Bongetti, Mernda, Northern
Might be in the veteran class these days but no club is going to turn away a three-time league best-and-fairest. Last played in 2019 at Craigieburn where injury prevented him from winning a Division 1 premiership with the Eagles. No stranger to the NFL having played with South Morang – where he won a league medal in 2005 – and Eltham.
Fabian Brancatisano, Airport West, Essendon District
The former Werribee and Port Melbourne VFL player crosses from promotion-winner East Keilor. Capable of playing across the ground, he’ll add class and ball-winning ability to the Eagles squad.
Steve Brewer, Port Melbourne Colts, Southern
Brewer is 37. He’s also superbly fit and joins Colts after winning the Western Region league best and fairest, the Barry Priest Medal, with Caroline Springs. He’s well remembered in the VFL for his deed with Port Melbourne, including the Borough’s premiers-and-champions 2011 season. The left-footer also had stops at Box Hill Hawks, Casey Scorpions and Williamstown, and finished with 129 senior VFL games. Later came stints at Greenvale (where he enjoyed another flag and two best and fairests), East Malvern and Caroline Springs.
Tim Broomhead, North Albury, Ovens and Murray
After a standout season on the Mornington Peninsula, Broomhead joins North Albury as it looks to make major strides up the ladder. The former Collingwood player kicked 27 goals from 13 games for Seaford, taking out the club’s best and fairest.
Liam Buxton, Montmorency, Northern
The Eastern league team-of-the-year ruckman and Vermont premiership star walks into the Northern Football League as one of the competition’s premier big men. The former Richmond and Casey VFL player adds serious grunt to the Magpies’ midfield.
Danko Bzenic, Montmorency, Northern
Bzenic returns to Montmorency after spending 2021 with Avondale Heights in the EDFL, earning team-of-the-year honours. The dangerous forward-midfielder played for the Magpies in 2018, representing the NFL in the Community Championships before injuring his knee.
Jake Carlisle, Craigieburn, Essendon District
Will likely not play much – if at all in 2022 – due to a back injury. However, the Eagles believe the former Essendon and St Kilda big man will still make an impact mentoring the club’s youngsters before hopefully suiting up more often in 2023.
Robbie Castello, Keilor Park, Essendon District
One of the greats of the Essendon District Football League, Castello returns to his junior club. Werribee’s games-record holder, best-and-fairest and captain, captain-coach of Maribrynong Park, Hutchison Medallist with Westmeadows in 2019. A fairytale return.
Damian Cavka, Keilor Park, Essendon District
Once listed by West Coast, Cavka is an elite endurance runner. A serious injury put an early end to his AFL career but he remains a force at local level. Featured for Deer Park in the WRFL last season.
James Charge, Silvan, Eastern
The towering ruckman had returned to Mooroolbark for season 2021, but injuries cruelled his game-time. He was a four-time Yarra Valley/Outer East league representative during a decorated stint with Olinda Ferny-Creek where he featured in its 2017 premiership side. He also tied for the top division’s best and fairest award that season, claimed a third team of the year nod and topped the club goalkicking for a second consecutive time. Should provide plenty of value dropping back to Division 4.
Jackson Clarke, Wangaratta Magpies, Ovens and Murray
New Magpies’ coach Ben Reid secured a big signing when it was announced Clarke would return to the club. He is a two-time premiership player with West Preston Lakeside in the Northern league.
Cameron Cloke, Templestowe, Eastern
The former AFL big man is expected to provide a menacing target up forward for the Dockers, after landing at the club through friends and family. He crosses from Hurstbridge in the Northern league following stops at Barooga and Jacana, and a decorated stint with Bundoora which took in two flags and two best and fairests. Cloke played 58 AFL matches across Collingwood, Carlton and Port Adelaide from 2004 to 2010.
Daniel Coffield, Old Melburnians, VAFA
OM has gained not only a good VFL player, but a VFL captain. Coffield had one season at Sandringham, was appointed skipper, but has stepped away from the state league scene because of a work promotion. The brother of top Saint Nick, he played in Richmond’s 2019 VFL premiership under Craig McRae and won the best and fairest the same year.
Izzy Conway, Oakleigh District, Eastern
Oakleigh District has transferred from Southern to Eastern with a cracking signing in powerhouse Port Melbourne midfielder Izzy Conway. The 26-year-old captained the Queensland Under-18 team in 2013 and was a rookie with the Brisbane Lions in 2014.
The following year he made the move to Werribee, coming third in the best-and-fairest and gaining a VFL Team oft the Year jumper. He crossed to Port in 2017. The Oaks called Conway a “hard inside midfielder with the capacity to go forward, he’s clean below his knees and has good hands in traffic’’.
Jarryd Coulson, Thomastown, Northern
The three-time NFL Division 3 best-and-fairest is on the move. After staying loyal to Heidelberg West for several seasons, the opportunity to play at a higher level has seen him move to the Bears. Will be interesting to see how the club manages Coulson and Joel Carter.
Nicholas Coulstock, Sunshine, Western Region
Coulstock arrives at the Roos after a successful career with Goulburn Valley powerhouse Kyabram where he won three premierships. He debuted for the Bombers while still playing junior football in 2010 and went onto enjoy a successful career mainly in the midfield.
Tim Currie, Aberfeldie, Essendon District
The star defender joins his Williamstown VFL premiership teammate and new Aberfeldie coach Adam Marcon after spending the past three seasons at Eltham in the Northern league’s Division 2. Was a Team of the Year player in 2018.
Simon Curtis, Myrtleford, Ovens and Murray
A premiership coach with Lavington, Curtis joins the Saints after stepping down from the coaching role at a team that now becomes his rival. He is a two-time best and fairest winner at his former club and is regarded as one of the best players in the competition.
Sam Darley, Geelong Amateur, Bellarine
Darley, 28, has been locked in as co-coach of Ammos, who this year missed the top five for the first time since 2012. He played 13 AFL games with Greater Western Sydney and another seven with the Western Bulldogs, and later captained the Richmond VFL team. This year he coached Leeton-Whitton in the Riverina Football League.
Chris Deluca, Doncaster East, Eastern
The brother of ex-AFL man Josh has joined the Lions, with the midfielder/forward crossing from Southern league club Port Melbourne Colts. Chris won the Colts’ best and fairest in 2019, finished third for the league’s top division honour this season and featured in Subiaco’s 2014 flag alongside his brother and current Donny East star, Chris Phelan.
Josh Deluca, Doncaster East, Eastern
The midfielder reunites with Subiaco premiership teammates, Chris Phelan and Zac Clarke, with the trio set to re-form one of state footy’s most dominant midfields after they lifted the WAFL power to an undefeated flag season in 2018. Deluca played 10 AFL matches across Fremantle and Carlton from 2015 to 2019.
Jayden Depace, Lilydale, Eastern
Lilydale has welcomed the return of the midfielder after time away. Depace last played for the Falcons in 2019 where he won the best and fairest, and was part of the club’s rise into a grand final in 2018. A past junior of the club, Depace made his senior debut in 2015 and has played 89 senior matches.
Lochie Dickson, Norwood, Eastern
The two-time Coburg VFL best and fairest winner returns full-time to the Eastern league at the club where he won a top division flag in 2014. The midfielder/half-back is a big boost to the Norsemen, who were on the verge of snapping a six-year finals hiatus last year before the season was scrapped.
Steve Dinnell, East Ringwood, Eastern
The midfielder recently called time on his long stint at South Croydon, but has linked with former Bulldogs assistant and current ‘Roos senior coach Ben Osborne, where he’ll serve as a playing assistant. Has had a decorated career, winning a flag and best afield medal with the Eastern Ranges in 2002 before VFL stints with Box Hill and later North Ballarat, where he won two flags. Premiership player with South Croydon in 2017 in the Eastern league’s top division.
Kyle Dunkley, Barooga, Murray
The brother of Western Bulldogs star Josh has been drawn to the Murray by former AFL big man Jackson Trengove in his first year as the Hawks’ coach. Dunkley had a run with Essendon’s VFL side in 2021 after his time in the AFL system.
Brett Eddy, Traralgon, Gippsland
The three-game Port Adelaide AFL player has joined his great mate, Traralgon playing coach Jake Best, in the Gippsland league. That’s great for the Maroons, but not good news for defenders who play on Eddy, who has clamps for hands and kicks the ball a looooong way. The right-footer, originally from Foster in South Gippsland, won a league medal and played in two premierships alongside Best at Vermont before joining Caulfield Grammarians in the VAFA.
Aaron Edwards, Deer Park, Western Region
The former West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond forward most recently starred for St Kilda City in the Southern league’s top division, where he kicked 53 goals from 12 matches after lighting it up for Pines in the MPNFL previously. Edwards, who played 94 AFL matches across 12 seasons, will be 38 by the time the 2022 season rolls around, but his return this year suggests he’s not slowing down any time soon. Links with ex-Kangaroos teammate Levi Greenwood at Deer Park.
Dion Elefantis, Endeavour Hills, Southern
The versatile Elefantis owns a thumping left-foot kick and he’ll put it to great use in Division 3 as he crosses from Keysborough. Was a star junior player with Endeavour Hills, winning a league medal in 2017.
David Fahey, PEGS, VAFA
The 2018 best and fairest returns to the club after a stint with Aberfeldie in 2021. Fahey was an accomplished player in the VFL, first at Coburg and then at Williamstown, where he figured in the 2015 flag.
Brodie Filo, Wangaratta Rovers, Ovens and Murray
Filo returns to the competition after spending the last three years with Eaglehawk in the Bendigo league. He previously played for Wodonga Raiders.
Paul Fermanis, Korumburra Bena, West Gippsland
The highly skilled Fermanis joined the Giants after moving to the area recently. He was runner-up in the league best and fairest in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean league with Somerville and won two best and fairests at Oakleigh District. He also had VFL stints with Port Melbourne (2007) and Sandringham (2011). Fermanis has outstanding leadership qualities which will help lead the Giants’ young, motivated players.
Justin Ficorilli, Silvan, Eastern
An experienced and exciting small forward, Ficorilli links up with ex-Croydon teammate in Silvan playing-coach, Trent Martin. He kicked 14 goals from 11 matches in the shortened campaign this year, after returns of 26 and 43 across the previous two seasons. Played a major part in Croydon’s rise in recent years, helping the club to a grand final appearance in 2019.
Michael Fogarty, Templestowe, Eastern
The midfielder has moved on from Premier club Doncaster where he won two best and fairests, after a state league career which included a flag with Footscray. He also took out best and fairests at Spotswood in the WRFL and Williamstown in the VFL reserves.
Nathan Foote, Kilcunda Bass, West Gippsland
The tough and hard-at-it midfielder was a senior best and fairest winner at Narre Warren.
Foote captained the Dandenong Stingrays to a TAC Cup grand final in 2013 and also won best and fairest that year. He then went on to play five years in the VFL for Frankston and Casey.
Russell Gabriel, Pines, Mornington Peninsula Nepean
The star ruckman has returned to the Pythons after a season with Hampton Park in Southern league. Gabriel, who with two league medals and VFL and WAFL experience, is one of the most decorated players in local football.
Mitch Garner, South Belgrave, Eastern
The Rowville premiership tall will be a huge presence next season for the Saints at 200cm, linking up with brother Damian at the club after the pair played in the Hawks’ 2012 Division 2 flag together. He joins an already formidable Saints line-up where he’s expected to slot into a ruck role at the Division 2 club.
Taylor Garner, South Belgrave, Eastern
The Saints add the ex-North Melbourne Kangaroo to their already potent line-up, as he joins brothers Mitch and Damian at the club. The 28-year-old forward/midfielder played 49 games for the ‘Roos from 2013 to 2021, after his selection at pick No. 15 in the 2012 national draft.
Trent Georgiou, Mooroolbark, Eastern
Returns to the club where he made his name as a star defender across 13 years. The six-time team of the year member played the past two seasons with Silvan in Division 4, where he was named at centre half-back in the team of the year in both campaigns.
Michael Gibbons, Yarrawonga, Ovens and Murray
Many AFL watchers considered Gibbons unlucky to be delisted by Carlton at the end of the last AFL season but he’s now a Pigeon after penning a three-year deal. He will add some much-needed class to the club’s playing list as it looks to move back up the ladder.
Marty Gleeson, Uni Blues
The Gleeson name will be flying at Blues again after the 97-game AFL Bomber decided to join the VAFA Premier power. His brother Johnathon played at the club and his cousin Quinton captained and coached the Blues. Gleeson battled a bad ankle injury later in his Essendon career but he’s apparently superbly fit as he prepares for a season playing alongside a string of other former AFL players.
Daniel Gorringe, Greensborough, Northern
Arguably better known for his Twitter game than his AFL career, Gorringe hasn’t actually played a game of footy since 2019 when he suited up for Wandin in the AFL Outer East. He signed for Powelltown in 2020 but never played a game. Would be tough to handle in the Boro goalsquare.
Nick Graham, Warragul, Gippsland
Graham is a Gippsland boy and he’s linked with Warragul as it brings in experience to blend with its good list of young players. The midfielder graduated from the Power program in 2012 with the Morrish Medal around his neck and was drafted by Carlton, where he had 48 AFL matches. After his delisting from the Blues, Graham joined Darley in the Ballarat league and then signed with West Footscray for the 2020 season that never got going. He played with Spotswood this year in the Western Region competition and was named the Division 1 MVP, as judged by the coaches.
Levi Greenwood, Deer Park, Western Region
Fresh out of the AFL following 13 seasons and 160 games across North Melbourne and Collingwood, the midfielder will be a certain boost for the WRFL powerhouse as it looks to find itself back to the top of the Division 1 ladder. He joins former housemate and North teammate Aaron Edwards at the club, with the pair sure to give plenty of opposition sides a tough time in 2022. Look out.
Jai Hardwick, Templestowe, Eastern
The tough, hard-running inside midfielder will add grunt and aggression to the Dockers. He was an Under 19 premiership captain at Doncaster East, captained Chirnside Park and in recent seasons was a member of Rosebud’s leadership group in the MPNFL.
Sean Hetherington, Maribrynong Park, Essendon District
The 26-year-old onballer spent 2021 with VAFA club Old Melburians, won a Riddell District premiership with Rupertswood in 2019 and finished third in Collingwood’s best-and-fairest in 2018. Has VFL experience with the Magpies and Williamstown.
Bryan Hodgson, Albury, Ovens and Murray
A former VFL defender, Hodgsons links up with the competition powerhouse from Western Region league club Spotswood, where he played the last two seasons. He has previous experience on the border with Lavington.
Max Holmes, Glen Waverley Hawks, Eastern
The midfielder won St Mary’s Salesian’s best and fairest this season under incoming Hawks coach Brett Gatehouse. He’s had stints with top-flight VAFA club St Kevin’s and Thorpdale in the Mid Gippsland league, along with a stint in the army reserves where he was selected in its All Australian team in 2016. “As good a player as I’ve ever coached,” Gatehouse says of Holmes.
Mitch Honeychurch, Montmorency, Northern
The ex-Western Bulldogs forward shifts to Montmorency to join former Dogs teammate Lin Jong and Vermont teammate Liam Buxton. A two-time VFL premiership player and EFL premiership player with Vermont, can he help the Magpies break their drought?
Chris Horton-Milne, Noble Park, Eastern
Crosses from top division Southern outfit Dingley, where he was touted as one of the premier midfielders in the league. Featured in three flags with the Dingoes (twice best afield), won two club best and fairests and took out this year’s league best and fairest.
Andrew Horne, PEGS, VAFA
Horne brings a ton of experience to PEGS, having turned out for Calder Cannons (where he won a best and fairest), for Coburg in the VFL, for South Adelaide in the SANFL and for Strathmore in the Essendon District league, where was a premiership player and league representative. Has linked with PEGS as a playing assistant.
Jack Hutchins, Mansfield, Goulburn Valley
After retiring from the VFL, Hutchins will give the young Eagles outfit a much-needed boost. He joined the Scorpions in 2015 after a stint with Gold Coast in the AFL going onto to play for seven seasons.
Mark Jamar, Doncaster, Eastern
The former AFL big man will combine with ex-Melbourne teammate Jake Spencer at the Sharks this season, to form arguably the Eastern league’s most dangerous ruck combination. Jamar played 155 games for Melbourne from 2002-2015 before five with Essendon in 2016. He earned All Australian selection in 2010. The 38-year-old spent the past three seasons with Sunraysia league outfit, Ouyen United.
Matt Jones, South Croydon, Eastern
The ex-Melbourne midfielder lands back in the Eastern league after a season with Ovens and Murray league club, Wangaratta Rovers. The Bulldog favourite has featured in three senior premierships at the club, including the 2017 top division triumph, and will be a big lifter through the midfield.
Dylan Jones, Melton South, Ballarat
A premiership ruckman at St Kevin’s and Williamstown CYMS in the VAFA and formerly on Werribee’s VFL list as well. The big man fills arguably South’s biggest need ahead of the 2022 season and should ensure they are competitive more regularly.
Lin Jong, Montmorency, Northern
A fan favourite at the Western Bulldogs will undoubtedly become a fan favourite at Montmorency. The 28-year-old arrives after nine years and 65 games at Whitten Oval and will be tough to beat around the clearances in NFL Division 1.
Brendan Kantilla, Wodonga Raiders, Ovens and Murray
Kantilla is a small forward hailing from the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL and is expected to light up the border competition with his electric pace and defensive pressure. A star in the making?
Steven Kapahnke, Park Orchards, Eastern
Premier Division newcomer has secured the key tall from Emerald. He’ll be 22 by the time the season rolls around, bringing experience from the Eastern Ranges program and time spent in the Box Hill Hawks’ ranks. He’s a nice pick-up at around 198cm and should be a boost to the Sharks’ ruck and forward division as they look to make a mark in their maiden year in the top-flight.
Brayden Kilpatrick, South Croydon, Eastern league
The ex-Box Hill VFL player has committed to the club full-time for 2022 after calling time on his state league career. The midfielder won a flag with the Hawks in 2018 in a career which spanned six years and 68 games.
Jed Lamb, Warragul, Gippsland
Lamb was the first of Warragul’s ex-Blue signings and, like Nick Graham, he can be expected to be a leading performer in the competition. The 29-year-old had stints at the Sydney Swans, GWS and Carlton after being drafted from Gippsland Power. Pick No. 21 in the 2012 national draft, he finished with 66 AFL games, This year he hit the headlines after kicking bags of 13 and 14 goals for White Hills in the Heathcote District league. He slotted 58 from his 10 matches, to go with 55 goals in 2019.
Darcy Lang, Colac, Geelong
Lang has joined Colac as its playing co-coach for 2022 and does so as a one-point player given his junior history with the club. He was selected by Geelong with its first pick in the 2013 draft and played 44 games with the Cats before being traded to Carlton, where he made another 20 appearances at the highest level. In his return to Colac this year Lang kicked five goals against Bell Park and he was again in the best players against Leopold in Round 15, when he had 28 disposals.
Jack Leslie, Sale, Gippsland
Welcome back, Jack. The Magpies were chuffed to regain their former junior after he decided to step away from VFL mainstay Williamstown, where he was a leading defender and a 2021 team-of-the-year member. Leslie had joined Willy after playing 28 games across six season with Gold Coast Suns. He had injuries with the Suns but he’s well over them and Sale has one of the best signings in Victorian local football. He’ll serve as a playing assistant coach.
Jack Lonie, Old Haileybury, VAFA
The pacy little left-footer should probably still been on an AFL list. Instead the ex-Saint will be playing in Premier B under former Demon Daniel Ward. He’ll dominate.
Kurt Lopo, Edithvale-Aspendale, Mornington Peninsula Nepean
New Eagles coach Paul McCormack went after Bayswater power running midfielder Kurt Lopo as soon as he was appointed. The 24-year-old won the 2019 Kenneth Wright Medal as best player in EFL Division 1. He also won a best and fairest at Bayswater in 2019 and finished top three in the Waters’ B & F in all of his four seasons with the club. A dynamic player, Lopo finds a lot of the footy and his disposals rarely go to waste.
Brent Macaffer, Tooradin Dalmore, West Gippsland
Macaffer has joined the Seagulls after leaving Northern Football League division 2 club Eltham. The 33-year-old retired from AFL at the end of 2016 after playing 77 games and winning a premiership at Collingwood. He is a skilled midfielder who has a natural ability for run-with roles against opposition on-ballers.
Cory Machaya, Cora Lynn, West Gippsland
The former classy Casey Demons VFL player missed two years of football after going down with a knee injury in early 2019. He was one of the most improved players in the VFL in 2018, playing every game from Round 12 and with increasing influence and assurance. There was even talk of an AFL club rookie-listing him.
Kane Maghamez, Templestowe, Eastern
The three-time Eastern league comp best and fairest will pull the boots on for the Dockers for the first time since 2012. The right-footer has kicked well in-excess of 500 career goals across a long career which has included stops at Fitzroy, Northcote Park, Forest Hill, South Morang, the Manningham Cobras as well as a stint with Williamstown in the VFL. Made his name as a tough midfielder and goal-machine up forward, and hasn’t slowed down with age after playing 10 of 11 matches for the Cobras last season. Topped Manningham’s goalkicking across 2018 and ’19.
Damon Marcon, Epping, Northern
A NFL Division 2 Team of the Year forward in his one season with the Pingers, Marcon returns in 2022. The star forward kicked 39 goals in 18 games in 2018 before shifting to Greensborough in 2019 and he split his time between the Borough and junior club Preston Bullants in 2021. A major boost to the Epping forward line.
Josh MacDonald, Glen Orden, Western Region
Returns to the Hawks from Altona where he spent the past four seasons, playing 67 matches as a forward/mid. Played junior football with Glen Orden before representing the seniors from 2011 to 2016. Represented Vic Metro alongside the best of suburban football in 2019 where he won the medal for best afield in the match against Tasmania, and should light it up in the Hawks’ seniors in Division 2.
Luke McComb, Ferntree Gully, Eastern
The star inside-midfielder will be a sure boost for the Eagles in Division 3 next season, after he featured in Vermont’s back-to-back senior premierships across 2018 and ’19 across six seasons in the top-flight. Played junior football with Ferntree Gully which brought him back to the fold. Brother of recent Western Bulldogs draftee Robbie.
Jackson McDonald, Knox, Eastern
Joined Rowville in the EFNL’s top tier at the end of 2017 following a VFL stint with Casey, and made an immediate impact. Tied for Rowville’s best and fairest in 2018, in a season where he made the top division team of the year, and represented the Eastern league and Vic Metro in community championships. Injuries haven’t been kind in recent seasons, but the Falcons should be onto a beauty if he can get a decent run at it. McDonald moves to Knox alongside Rowville mates in former Casey name Jackson Anderson, and hard-nosed mid Jarryd Hall.
Tim McGenniss, Dingley, Southern
The Dingoes are still the Southern league’s reigning premiers and they’ve strengthened their squad with the addition of Somerville star Tim McGenniss, a former North Melbourne rookie.
Taken with pick 10 in the 2012 rookie draft after winning the Dandenong Stingrays’ best and fairest, McGenniss was overlooked for a senior AFL game at the Kangaroos despite turning in consistent performances for Werribee in the VFL. He’s regarded as one of the best players in the MPNFL second division and is expected to be in the top bracket of footballers in Southern.
Wayne McInerney, Bayswater, Eastern
Key premiership forward has kicked around 350 goals across more than 150 games for the ‘Waters, and returns after a season with Ferntree Gully in Division 3 where he booted 20 majors from nine matches on his way to selection in the Division 3 team of the year. He’s joined by the inclusions of brother Scott (from Glen Waverley) and Hayden Schroeder (returning from abroad), with all three featuring in Baysie’s 2016 premiership win.
Shaun McKernan, Tullamarine, Essendon District
After 91 games and 74 goals at Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda, McKernan returns to his junior club where he’ll not only be the boom recruit on the field but mentor and assistant coach. Capable of taking games apart single-handedly, McKernan will make the Demons worth watching next season.
Brock McLean, Tongala, Murray
The former Melbourne and Carlton midfielder has made a regional switch from Shepparton United to Tongala. He was an impressive performer in the Goulburn Valley league and adds another layer of quality to the Blues’ midfield.
Jake McQueen, Wangaratta Rovers, Ovens and Murray
Young gun McQueen arrives to learn from Daryn Creswell after starting his senior career with East Point in the Ballarat league. After being limited to just four games in 2021 he will be hoping to make a big impact on the border.
Mitch Mellis, Boronia, Eastern
The former VFL young gun has returned to Boronia where he played most of his junior football, following a two-year stint with Williamstown in the VFL. The 20-year-old had been aligned with Premier club Vermont for the past two years, playing four matches in the state league in 2021 to go with five for the Eagles. He won three league best and fairests as a junior to go with three at the Hawks, on the way to an Eastern Ranges best and fairest in ’18. Mellis made the 2019 NAB League team of the year, finishing third for the comp best and fairest that season where he also represented Vic Metro.
Connor Menadue, Altona, Western Region
Straight from the AFL, Menadue returns to Altona where he played junior football. The wingman joins a Vikings outfit which finished minor premier in the WRFL’s top division this season. Menadue played 46 AFL games between Richmond (2015-19) and North Melbourne (2021), and featured in the Tigers’ 2019 VFL premiership side.
Jackson Merrett, East Point, Ballarat
The former Essendon forward returns to Victoria after playing in the WAFL this year. He won Peel Thunder’s best and fairest in 2020. Now 28, Merrett was selected with the 31st pick by the Bombers in the 2011 national draft after impressing with the Geelong Falcons. He hails from Cobden in the state’s southwest.
Liam Middleton, Hurstbridge, Northern
Craigieburn’s best-and-fairest winner in 2020, crosses to the Northern Football League along with brother Dayne. The Bridges are building a nice midfield and Middleton is sure to feature prominently next season.
Ryley Monkhorst, Mooroolbark, Eastern
The Mustangs may have lost significant ruck power since the end of last season, but it certainly moved quickly to fill the void with the signing of Monkhorst, who crosses from Outer East top-flight club Woori Yallock. He won a premiership with Woori in 2014 where he was named among the best afield, and returns to the Eastern league following a stint with Balwyn in 2019 while aligned with Williamstown.
Chris Moreland, Powelltown, Outer East
Famous for finishing third in reality TV series The Recruit in 2014, Moreland has been a superb footballer. As well as coaching clubs and playing in premierships, his honours include All-Australian and Victorian Country representation. He will bring invaluable experience and leadership to Powelltown and will cause some serious headaches for opposition clubs.
Jake Mullen, Dingley, Southern
A dynamic and versatile player, Mullen was a Dingley junior and has returned after playing good football elsewhere, most notably at Oakleigh District, where he was a league representative.
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Heathmont, Eastern
The 197cm utility made more than 50 appearances in the VFL across Footscray, Box Hill and Coburg, including 10 with the Lions this season while aligned with Premier powerhouse, Balwyn. He last played for Heathmont in 2015, with 17 appearances in the seniors to his name, and was drafted to the AFL ranks with pick 16 in the 2016 rookie draft, via the Eastern Ranges. Strong family ties landed the ex-Western Bulldogs rookie back at the Jets for next season.
Curtis Murfett, Dalyston, West Gippsland
Recently listed as one of the top 150 metro footballers in Melbourne, Murfett is a star recruit for the Magpies. Coming from the St Pauls footy club in the Southern Football League, the midfielder is a multiple best and fairest winner, one in a premiership year.
Max Otten, Templestowe, Eastern
A nice addition to the Dockers’ back six, Otten spent the past seven years at Premier club Blackburn following stints with Donvale (2012-13) and Box Hill (2012). He was selected by the Sydney Swans with pick 21 in the 2010 rookie draft, and later played in Blackburn’s 2019 Premier Division grand final side.
Jesse Owen, Silvan, Eastern
Lands back at the Cats after a few seasons at Scoresby where he was captain across 2018 and ’19, resuming at the club where he won a flag in 2014 in a best afield display. He’ll be a fine get for the Division 4 club as a key defender, which are hard to come by.
Mitch Palma, Point Cook Centrals, Western Region
Arrives at the Centrals with quite a reputation, having won a best and fairest in Division 1 with Hoppers Crossing in 2019, in a season where he also finished equal fifth in the league medal. The former Western Jet has represented in a number of teams of the year and interleague sides, earning a reputation as a ball magnet and midfield bull. Played 53 matches for Hoppers Crossing from 2014 to 2021, after a short stint with Glen Orden.
Sam Reid, Echuca, Goulburn Valley
Straight out of the AFL and into one of country footy’s best competitions. The Murray Bombers are expecting Reid to help fill a number of roles across the ground. He is the ultimate utility as we’ve seen at the top level.
Marshall Rippon, Birchip Watchem
Rippon was a decorated player at University Blues in the VAFA, figuring in the 2019 premiership and coming second in the Woodrow Medal that same year. He’s heading bush in 2022, to be coached by legendary local Trevor Ryan at Birchip Watchem.
Dylan Roberton, Frankston YCW, Mornington Peninsula Nepean
The former Fremantle and St Kilda defender is excited to be making a return to footy with his junior club after sitting out of the game for the best part of three years following a heart scare. YCW coach Paul Goonan reports Roberton is “super fit” and busting to play again. The 29-year-old was an All-Australian in 2017 as a defender but YC fans could see him up forward or even on a wing next season.
Brady Rowles, Eaglehawk, Bendigo
The former Sydney Swans rookie is one of two former AFL listed players at Eaglehawk also including Billy Evans, who spent time with Brisbane. Rowles has previous connections to the Bendigo region after being drafted from the Pioneers.
Toby Ryan, Templestowe, Eastern
The damaging half-back brings a wealth of experience from Premier level having played at Balwyn and Doncaster, where he featured in the league’s Team of the Year in 2017. He’s also played for the Wangaratta Rovers where he won the Ovens and Murray league’s rising star award years ago, and earned a spot on Williamstown’s list in 2011.
Shane Savage, Pines, Mornington Peninsula Nepean
The former Hawthorn and St Kilda midfielder joins the Pythons as a playing-assistant coach, and ready to supercharge the midfield. Savage played 165 AFL games, including five seasons under the great Alistair Clarkson. “It’s a pretty impressive resume,” Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.
Billy Schilling, Montrose, Eastern
The premiership forward will be a major inclusion for the Demons after he returns following three seasons with North Ringwood. Kicked bags of goals with Montrose where he helped lift it to a flag in 2013, but he’s proven his worth with the Saints as a handy swingman in recent times, too, switching back on occasion. Should relish the step back to the Eastern league’s second tier.
Tom Schneider, Traralgon, Gippsland
In local football, midfielders don’t came much better than tenacious Tom, a much-decorated player at Vermont, where he counted Traralgon coach Jake Best and fellow ace recruit Brett Eddy as teammates. Recruited from Oakleigh Chargers, Schneider was at Hawthorn in 2011-12 and as a rookie was Box Hill’s club champion in 2012. In powerful sides at Vermont he won the best-and-fairest in 2013, 2016 and 2018.
Jordan Schroder, Northcote Park, Northern
Arrives at Bill Lawry Oval along with Doutta Stars teammate and key forward Alex Boyse, in a double-signing coup for the Cougars. Schroder won the JJ Liston Trophy while with Geelong in 2013 and also played VFL for Essendon. Adds much-needed speed and class.
Scott Selwood, Ivanhoe, VAFA
What a recruit for a VAFA Division 2 club. A member of one of football’s most famous families, Selwood, 31, took up an invitation from his Collingwood workmate and playing coach Ash Close to join the Hoers. “I am nearly 32 and I am moving like an ox, but hopefully that will change,” he told the club website. Selwood, an assistant coach at Collingwood, played 169 AFL games, 135 for West Coast from 2008-2015 and 34 for Geelong from 2016-2019. He was the Eagles’ best-and-fairest in 2012.
Brayden Sier, Heidelberg, Northern
The former Collingwood midfielder was the latest ex-AFL star to join the Northern Football League when he signed in December. The Banyule junior will be a Tiger in 2022 and adds a significant punch to an already stacked midfield. Will be tough to stop in the contest.
Kellan Smith, Heidelberg, Northern
A four-time premiership player with Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Football League, Smith joins his brother and reigning NFL Division 1 Coaches’ MVP Matt at Warringal Park. The Tigers’ midfield is going to be stacked with Smith, Smith, reigning Rosbrook Medallist Lachie Wilson, Matt Cecchin and Tom Schnerring.
Nathan Stefanile, South Morang, Northern
The Lions have loaded up in their hunt for an elusive NFL Division 3 flag with Whittlesea premiership-winning big man Stefanile. South Morang was hot favourite last season before COVID intervened and has strengthened perhaps its only major weakness.
Liam Sumner, St Paul’s, Southern
It’s a return to his junior club for Sumner. The clever right-footer went from St Paul’s under-age teams to the Sandringham Dragons and was pick 10 in the 2011 AFL national draft, joining Greater Western Sydney. He went on to play 32 AFL games, 12 with the Giants and the rest with Carlton, which he joined in 2016. Delisted after two years with the Blues, Sumner linked with St Bede’s Mentone Tigers then crossed to East Malvern. This year he played four matches for Lang Lang in the Ellinbank and District league.
Josh Tynan, St Kevin’s, VAFA
The former Demon arrives at Skob from Essendon VFL, which is where he came to know new St Kevin’s coach Anthony “Plugger’’ Lynch. Tynan, 28, now works for Lynch and he’ll play football under him too. The versatile right-footer played two games for Melbourne in 2012 after being drafted from Gippsland Power and also had VFL stints at Frankston, Port Melbourne and the Bombers. He’ll be a good VAFA Premier player and a popular clubman.
Jordan Treloar, North Ringwood, Eastern
Defenders in the EFNL’s top division can expect a tough time against North Ringwood, with the centre half-forward linking with the Saints. Known widely for his appearance as a finalist on the television show ‘The Recruit’, Treloar featured in Heidelberg’s 2016 Division 1 flag, and has had stops at Frankston and Werribee in the VFL. Standing at six-foot-four, look out.
Cameron Tudor, Greenvale, Essendon District
A dangerous forward who has experience with Geelong and Werribee at VFL level and represented Victoria and the Geelong Football League. Arrives at the Jets after seven years at St Joseph’s and three GFL Team of the Year nods.
Nick Rodda, Darley, Ballarat
Rodda was aligned to Darley this season while leading the attack for Williamstown but will be a full-time Devil in 2022. The spearhead will be tough to contain in the Ballarat Football League and will add immediate scoring power to the wooden-spooner.
Aaron vandenBerg, Old Xaverians, VAFA
The game got a little harder for opponents of Old Xaverians in VAFA Premier when vandenBerg joined the club. The 28-year-old retired after Melbourne’s AFL premiership. His contribution to the campaign was four games, taking his tally up to 47 after making his debut in Round 1 of 2015. No doubt it would have been quite a few more if not for injuries.
Nathan Vardy, North Warrnambool, Hampden
After retiring from the AFL, family connections were credited for helping Vardy sign at the Eagles. A member of West Coast’s 2018 premiership side, he looms as an exciting player in the southwest.
Tyrone Vickery, Springvale Districts, Southern
By name and by stature the 200cm, 100kg former Tiger and Hawk is one of the biggest recruits to hit the Southern league in some time. And he’ll strip as one of the fittest players at the club as the Demons make the jump to Division 1. At 31 he brings the benefit of 125 AFL matches, 119 for Richmond and six with Hawthorn, to Newcomen Rd, adding to a forward line packed with marking power. He can also be used in the ruck. “He’s keen to work with our young players and our key position players. He’s all in. He’s been great. He’s interested in our recruiting, interested in the club and our game plan,’’ Districts coach Kris Thompson said of Vickery.
Jarrad Waite, Whittlesea, Northern
The former Carlton and North Melbourne star might be 39 by the time the 2022 season begins but he’ll still expected to be one of the leading forwards in the competition. Booted 58 goals for St Kevin’s in 2019 to lead the club to a VAFA Premier grand final.
Tim Walsh, Riddell, Riddell District
A star in the Bendigo Football League with Gisborne, Walsh returns to Riddell where he won the RDFL Rising Star, two Team of the Year guernseys and represented the league in the Community Championships. Capable of playing across the ground but most at home in defence.
Dale Walker, South Croydon, Eastern
Returns to the Dogs after a season with East Ringwood. Walker has played in five premierships across various leagues, including South Croydon’s 2017 grand final win, and will provide a big lift in defence next season.
Josh Weightman, Seville, Outer East
The former Coburg VFL player comes across from East Ringwood where he won two senior best and fairest awards and also represented the EFL interleague side. He’s known for his silky skills and dynamic pace – and will be worth watching at the chip next season.
Leigh Williams, Yarrawonga, Ovens and Murray
If the Pigeons want goals, Williams is the man to deliver them. The former Melbourne rookie kicked almost 600 goals during his time in the Eastern league as he takes his talents north. He’s going to keep the best backmen busy, in the air and on the deck.
Brandon White, Devon Meadows, Mornington Peninsula Nepean
The 24-year-old played 11 games with the Saints after being drafted with pick 40 in 2015.
He had four seasons on St Kilda’s list and in 2019 excelled in the VFL for Sandringham, sharing the best and fairest. For the past two seasons White has played with his local club Beaconsfield.
Nick Wood, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Nepean
A big, tough inside mid, Wood has been captain at St Kevin’s Old Boys since 2017, including skippering the 2017 and 2018 premierships (on top of the 2015 premiership). He also won the 2014 B & F at St Kevin’s. He also spent time in the VFL with Coburg and Box Hill and is a seriously good footballer
Troy Wright, East Ringwood, Eastern
Has landed back at the ‘Roos after six years away, playing with Montrose and most recently, Mooroolbark. Boasting size, clean skills, a great set of hands and a knack for flying for marks, the experienced backman earned selection in the team of the year in 2019 with the Mustangs, and also finished runner-up in the club best and fairest that season.
Tyson Young, Airport West, Essendon District
The Airport West premiership star and 2017 Hutchison Medallist returns to the Nest in 2021 after one season with EDFL Premier Division rival Greenvale. Played all 12 games last season, kicking 25 goals, and was named in the Team of the Year.
David Zaharakis, Bundoora, Northern
After securing Sam Lloyd last season, the Bulls upped the ante by securing Zaharakis’s services. The 226-AFL-game Essendon champion and 2011 Crichton Medallist is going to look pretty good streaming down the wing at Yulong Reserve
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