MPFNL: Karingal lose key players including Darcy Hope and Riley D’Arcy
Karingal has confirmed the departure of three leading players following its semi-final defeat. Here’s where they’ve gone.
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Karingal coach Luke Forsyth says the Bulls will “reset” after the departure of three leading players.
The Bulls have confirmed key forwards Darcy Hope and Riley D’Arcy, as well as midfielder Connor Leslie, have gone to other clubs.
Hope and Leslie have signed with Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray league, while D’Arcy has joined MPFNL rivals Frankston YCW.
Hope and Leslie are among Corowa-Rutherglen’s first signings as the club looks to return to action after going into recess in 2023.
D’Arcy has joined the Stonecats to fulfil his desire to play Division 1.
Hope is a marquee signing for the Kangaroos.
“I mean he’s in the prime of his career,” Karingal coach Luke Forsyth said.
“And the money that’s getting thrown around..I said, ‘you’ll regret not doing it, so go and if it doesn’t work out we’ll have you back’.
“He’s still got the relationship with the club but we’re planning without him.”
Hope and D’Arcy were the best forward combination in MPFNL Division 2 over the past two seasons,
D’Arcy kicked 56 goals this season, after his 55-goal haul in 2022.
Hope kicked 50 last year and 33 this season.
Leslie was vice-captain of Karingal and was named the Bulls best-on-ground in their semi final loss to Devon Meadows a fortnight ago.
Forsyth said Karingal would look to replace them with recruits.
“It’s not ideal to lose those three but it gives us an opportunity to reset a little bit and freshen up the list which we probably needed to do after a tough couple of years as well,” he said.
Karingal finished runners up in 2022, beaten by Langwarrin in the grand final, and lost this season’s first semi-final to Devon Meadows.
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