MPFNL: Devon Meadows signs Brendan Hermann, Dylan Gregson, Jack Bailey, Jack Wilson
Devon Meadows has signed four recruits while the club has given an update on Paddy Ryder after his knee operation, and his new role in 2024.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy is fully aware of the talent possessed by the club’s latest signing.
Nar Nar Goon midfield dynamo Brendan “Baz” Hermann has joined the Panthers after a decorated career in the West Gippsland league.
He played over 150 senior games, won four best and fairests and was Nar Nar Goon senior captain.
“He’s been in the best two or three players in the West Gippsland for 10 years,” Hendy said.
“I coached against him and he destroyed us back in the day.’’
At 29, Hermann will slot into a Devon Meadows midfield thick with star power, including ex-AFL player Dean Kent, Nick Battle, Joel Hillis and Trent Cody.
“He wanted to try something different so we had a chat to him and got him done,” Hendy said of Hermann.
Devon Meadows has also signed Mordialloc captain Dylan Gregson, Mordialloc half back Jack Bailey and Hampton Park young gun Jack Wilson.
Gregson is a 27-year-old key defender who has been captain of Mordialloc for the past two years and team of the year for the Southern league.
Bailey, 24, is a running half back, while 18-year-old Wilson is Stingrays-listed and played 10 games at Hampton Park last season, finishing runner-up in their best and fairest.
Hendy said the Panthers were delighted with the recruits.
“That will probably be it for us now, we’ve got those four in so we’ll probably pull stumps on it now,’’ he said.
Devon Meadows’ only loss is Jamie Plumridge, who has crossed to Keysborough.
Meanwhile, Panthers star Paddy Ryder had a successful operation on his knee following the season.
“He’s back up and running, he’s been training more or less since he had his operation so he’s going to be up and firing next year which is a big bonus for us,’’ Hendy said.
Hendy said Ryder, who kicked 43 goals in 10 games this year, would play more in the ruck in 2024.
“That’s what he wants, to play 60 percent in the ruck and 40 percent up forward,’’ Hendy said.
“He’ll be way more dominant if we can get him in the ruck. But we have to be mindful that we don’t overload him.’’
Devon Meadows starts pre-season training on Monday, November 27.
‘This isn’t half-baked’: Broadford names its coach for 2026 revival
Broadford is attempting to do what no country footy club has done before and has locked in a key piece of the resurrection. See the latest.
The Natural: McMahon shaped by footy’s toughest school
Carlton VFL coach Luke Power likens him to an EPL striker, a natural finisher. Liam McMahon has graduated from the toughest school in footy, learning how to be a key forward.