MPFNL: Langwarrin signs Berwick players Anthony Vella and Harry Money

A mercurial goal kicker is among Langwarrin’s recruits while the club has given an update on its coaching position.

Harry Money has joined Langwarrin from Berwick. Picture: Facebook

Having survived rather than thrived in MPFNL Division 1 this season, Langwarrin knew it needed to bolster its list in order to climb the ladder in 2024.

And the Kangaroos have hopped to it, announcing key signings.

First off, they’ve regained premiership defender Mitch Cuthbert from the Frankston Dolphins.

Cuthbert’s foray into the VFL was cut short by injury when he suffered a broken arm early in the season.

Langwarrin will be thrilled to have a player of his ability and size back.

Young ruckman Jye Moli has also signed; he suffered a knee injury in round 5 and missed the majority of the season.

“He’s already training and is keen,” Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard said of Moli.

Kye Whitford returns to Langwarrin.

“That’s brilliant for us,” Beard said.

“He will be a great inclusion.”

Anthony Vella takes a kick for Berwick this season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Langwarrin has also recruited Berwick teammates Anthony Vella and Harry Money.

Vella is a dashing left-footer, with VFL experience who won Cranbourne’s best and fairest in 2016 and went on to Port Melbourne and Casey Demons.

He has been an assistant coach at Berwick for the past couple of seasons and will be a playing assistant coach at Langy.

“He wants his coaching to evolve and sees a great opportunity at a young club with a couple of non playing coaches in myself and Jarred Moore,” Beard said.

“He gets to step up and take his coaching to another level.

“He will play…he’s a left footer, has played predominantly through the back half of the ground, but he also rolled forward for Berwick this year and did it with good success.

“We’re looking forward to adding another quality player to the group who offers a bit of leadership, too.”

Mercurial Berwick goal kicker Harry Money accompanies his mate Vella to Langwarrin, and he will inject X-factor into Langwarrin’s forward line.

“He’s been Berwick’s leading goal kicker for the past six or seven years,” Beard said.

“Everyone you talk to says he’s an excitement machine. I think he’ll certainly add a bit of flare to our team in the forward half.”

Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Beard said it was good to lock away recruits early, and said Cuthbert and Moli would boost the big man stocks, an area in which Langy has lacked.

“Having Cuthbert and Moli back, they’re two six foot four strong bodies that will strengthen us up a little bit,” he said.

“We’re still in the mix, we’re targeting another key position player, working really hard. In a perfect world we’ll have our list sorted before Christmas.”

Beard also revealed changes to Langwarrin’s coaching structure.

His co-coach of the past few years Blake McCormack is stepping away from football for a year.

His place is likely to be taken by former Sydney Swans player Jarred Moore, who was Langy’s assistant coach this season.

Jarred Moore. Pic: Michael Klein

Langwarrin has advertised the senior coaching position.

“We’re really happy to leave it open,” Beard said of the coaching position.

“We advertised the position in the hope of getting a high profile AFL, VFL player-coach.

“Moorey and I were really happy to step aside and assist.

“Obviously it’s not the easiest player to find to get to your football club but if it was to stay like it is then Moorey and I would do it together.

“We’re both involved regardless.

“If we can get the right person to take the club forward we’d step aside for that.”

After winning the Division 2 flag in 2022, Langwarrin was promoted to Division 1 this year and had three wins and a draw from its 18 matches, finishing ninth and avoiding relegation.

The club will chase more premiership glory this weekend with its reserves and Under 19 football sides in grand finals as well as its A and B grade netball sides.