MPFNL: Rye adds six recruits to list for season 2025

Rye is expected to move up the ladder in Division 2 of the Mornington Peninsula league in 2025 after landing a string of recruits, including a WA signing and a VAFA 100-gamer.

Connor Wallace has returned to Rye after a stint at Dromana.

Rye is the first Mornington Peninsula league club to set down a marker for 2025.

In mid August the Demons announced the reappointment of senior coach Brendon Moore.

And in the following weeks Rye announced six recruits, as well as re-signing key players, suggesting the Demons could move up from the lower rungs of the Division 2 ladder.

“The coaching staff have been working extremely hard over the last month and great to see some quality new signings for 2025,’’ the club said.

Jesse Dinicolantonio playing for Rosebud this season. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The recruits:

Jesse Dinicolantonio

The 22-year-old comes across from Rosebud where he played seniors. He also played in Dromana’s powerful senior side in 2022. Plays half back or wing.

Tate Dennis

A 191cm key forward was a Rye junior and returns to the Demons after playing at Dromana. The 21-year-old is the son of Rye’s 2006 premiership player Braeden Dennis.

Kayne Councillor

The 23-year-old key forward or back played at Three Springs Bombers in Western Australia this year. Before that he was at Kaniva Leeor United in the Horsham District league.

Connor Wallace

Key position defender who has been in and out of Dromana’s senior side in the past three seasons and will give the Demons’ backline a boost in ‘25. Returns to Rowley Reserve where he was a Rye junior.

Jack Austin

An inside midfielder from Dromana who wins his own ball. Joins mates Tate Dennis and Connor Wallace to make the move to the Demons.

Ben Williamson joins Rye from Old Peninsula in the VAFA.

Ben Williamson

Boasts 112 senior games at Old Peninsula in the VAFA. The wing or half back is a superb kick with plenty of pace and will relish the wide spaces at the RJ Rowley Reserve. Joins great mate Zach Byrns at the Demons.

*Rye has also re-signed a stack of key players, including 2023 senior best and fairest winner Justin Barnes, Kalani Ryan, Zach Byrns, Tom Hughes, Jordan Nennstiel, Jess Hawkins, Brodie Sweetnam, Taylor Ward and Brady Egan.

Meanwhile, Rye FNC is running an “Accelerated Off-Season Training Program’’ for 14-17 year olds on October 1, 3, and 9, at Rye footy ground.

It comes with a free Rye FNC training top.

The program aims to fast track a player’s football development with a combination of skills and fitness work. To register, contact Andrew Brady on 0468 535 284.