MPFNL: Sorrento signs Montmorency ruckman Liam Buxton

The Sharks have signed a former EFL and NFL ruckman who according to coach Leigh Poholke is “something we don’t see a lot of in our comp”.

Liam Buxton playing with Vermont. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Sharks have netted their first big catch of the off-season.

Sorrento has signed former Vermont and Montmorency ruckman Liam Buxton, who recently finished runner-up in the Northern Football League medal and was named the ruckman in the NFL Division 1 team of the year.

He also boasts VFL experience with the Northern Blues and Casey Demons.

“It’s been in the works for a while,” Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke said.

“It’s been a bit of a process to get him — two years, plenty of conversations — but he’s a really good fella and we’re excited to finally fix that need that we’ve had for so long.”

Buxton is expected to be one of the best ruckmen in the MPFNL, up there with the likes of Dromana grand final hero Billy Geurts, Russell Gabriel (Pines), Rosebud twins Stephen and Matt Cumming and Harry Prior (Frankston Bombers).

Liam Buxton playing for Montmorency. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Buxton in action this year. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Poholke said Buxton’s size (195cm) combined with his agility would set him apart in the MPFNL.

“He gets around the ground really well,’’ he said.

“I’ve seen him play three times now and he’s probably something we don’t see a lot of in our comp with the way he moves and gets out of stoppages and hunts down the line.

“The fact he’s six foot six and big, strong and aggressive helps as well.’’

Poholke said Sorrento would announce more recruits in the coming weeks.

There’s talk the Sharks will add a leading midfielder from Division 2 under Buxton’s feet, giving them plenty of power in the engine room.

Poholke said the Sharks’ only loss was Matthew Dobrowolski, who has retired.

“We lost 15 from the year before who played senior footy, they didn’t play at our football club this year,’’ he said.

“So to now only have one retirement is a good step.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. We want to be playing deep into the finals.

“We’ve had two years out now and we think our age demographic and our list is plenty good enough to go deep into finals so that’s the plan.’’

Meanwhile, Rosebud has signed Casey Demons VFL premiership captain and ex-AFL Demon Mitch White.