MPNFL: Billy Hartung signs with Rye as playing assistant coach

Rye’s midfield is set for an injection of pace and experience after securing an ex-AFL speedster.

Billy Hartung of the Kangaroos celebrates kicking a goal as Jarrad McVeigh of the Swans appeals for a touch during a match in 2018. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

He was one of the fastest players in the AFL during his 76-game career with Hawthorn and North Melbourne.

And now Billy Hartung will put on the afterburners for Rye in Division 2 of the Mornington Peninsula league.

The 28-year-old will be the Demons’ playing midfield assistant coach.

“He will be a fantastic addition to the 2023 team,” Rye said in a statement on Monday.

“Only 28, Billy lives in Mt Eliza and would like to finish his career at Rye.”

Billy Hartung shakes on it with Rye coach Stephen Ryan.

Drafted in 2013, Hartung had 63 matches with Hawthorn from 2014-17 before crossing to the Kangas, where he played 13 games.

In 2019, he was a prize recruit for VAFA Premier B club St Bede’s Mentone Tigers, but crossed mid season to St Kilda City in the Southern league.

In 2020 and 2021, Hartung played in the SANFL with North Adelaide; they were interrupted years with injury and Covid, and he played eight games, including the 2020 grand final loss to Woodville-West Torrens.

He played a handful of games with St Kilda City last season.

Rye coach Stephen Ryan said he got onto Hartung, “through a mate at work’’.

“He hadn’t signed anywhere and he’s moved into the area in Mt Eliza, so he just wanted to come to a club and play with a young group,’’ Ryan said.

“It just all fell into place.’’

Ryan said Hartung’s on-field leadership would be vital for the young Demons.

“We’ll be really happy to have his experience because we’ve lost a bit of experience from last year and we’ve got a real, real young group and he will fit in perfectly, and that’s what he wants to do, give a little bit back and teach the young kids,’’ he said.

“He’s ready to go...he looks still in pretty good shape. He’s only 28 so he’s got a bit of footy left in him.’’

Fourteen-year-old Billy Hartung kicked 20 goals a match for Red Hill.

Hartung is a former Red Hill junior, and famously kicked 20 goals straight in an under-14 match in 2009.

Rye has lost two experienced players from last season, captain Tyrren Head (to East Brighton) and Nick Strickland (travelling overseas).

Former Collingwood and Richmond forward Ryan will coach Rye for a second stint; he steered the Demons from 2008-11.

He said his aim was to develop the young talent at Rye.

“The majority of the list is under 25 so there’s a lot of upside to it,’’ he said.

Rye begins the season against Tyabb on Good Friday.

The Demons will play practice matches against Cheltenham and The Basin on March 18 and 25 respectively.