MPFNL: Rosebud signs Mitch White for the 2025 season in its entirety

The Buds are positioning themselves for a tilt at the MPFNL Division 1 title in 2025 after signing two VFL stars and an experienced midfielder.

Mitch White lifts the VFL premiership cup in 2022. (Photo by Felicity Elliott/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Rosebud is set to be a genuine flag contender in 2025 after securing Casey Demons premiership captain and ex-AFL Demon Mitch White.

The 28-year-old will play full-time for the Buds after stepping away from the VFL.

He won the Casey Demons best and fairest award last month.

“Mitch will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the playing group on and off the field, together with an abundance of experience from his playing career,” Rosebud said in a statement.

Campbell Hustwaite is back home. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Rosebud has also confirmed Campbell Hustwaite was “coming home’’ to play footy at Olympic Park full-time next year.

“We are looking forward to have Hussy weave his magic for us and are over the blue moon,” the club said.

Hustwaite captained Collingwood’s VFL side and won a Magpies best and fairest. He played a handful of matches at Rosebud at the back end of this season after recovering from a broken foot in a VFL state game in April.

Rosebud has also signed former Cranbourne and Emerald player Nic Russo, who finsihed high up in the Bombers best and fairest count this year after playing the final 10 games.

Rosebud made the MPFNL Division 1 finals for the first time in its history in 2024, beating Red Hill in the elimination final before losing to eventual premiers Mt Eliza in a semi-final.

Coach Danny Ades recently signed a contract extension and will steer the Buds in ‘25 and ‘26.

Oscar McDonald and Mitch White sing the song after Melbourne beat the GWS Giants in 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

White was drafted by Melbourne (pick No. 20) in the 2014 rookie draft after winning the Dandenong Stingrays best and fairest award.

He spent three seasons on the Demons list, playing four AFL games.

White grew up in Carrum Downs and played his junior footy with Seaford, alongside St Kilda draftee Jack Lonie.