MPFNL players Dale Alanis, Blake Peach and Josh Bateman join Koo We Rup in West Gippsland

A Karingal star and two Langwarrin premiership players have signed with a West Gippsland club. Here’s the latest.

Dale Alanis in action for Karingal against Somerville in the MPFNL Division 2 qualifying final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The player departures continue in the Mornington Peninsula league.

Karingal co-captain Dale Alanis and Langwarrin leaders Blake Peach and Josh Bateman have signed with West Gippsland club Koo Wee Rup.

Alanis has been unveiled as Koo Wee Rup’s playing senior coach.

His impressive football resume includes 278 senior games in the MPFNL across three clubs, including the 2016 premiership with Hastings.

“Dale brings a wealth of talent and enthusiasm to help lead our young list to success in the future,” Koo Wee Rup said in a statement.

Peach, who was Langwarrin’s 2022 premiership captain, has signed at Koo Wee Rup as playing-assistant. He boasts 180 senior games of experience and a best and fairest gong.

Josh Bateman playing for Dromana. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Blake Peach with the ball for Langwarrin and Josh Bateman (No.9).

Bateman, 24, has also joined Koo Wee Rup as a playing-assistant coach.

The former Dandenong Stingrays captain played in the VFL with Frankston Dolphins and is a senior premiership player with both Dromana and Langwarrin.

He was best on ground in Dromana’s 2018 flag.

“Josh brings class and grunt to our young midfield group,” Koo Wee Rup said.

Alanis is the fourth Karingal player to depart the Bulls in the past week.

They’ve also lost key forwards Darcy Hope and Riley D’Arcy, as well as midfielder Connor Leslie.

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.

Karingal coach Luke Forsyth said the Bulls would rally and look to recruit.

“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.

Koo Wee Rup finished ninth in the West Gippsland league this season with a 5-13 record.