MPNFL: Red Hill signs former Brisbane player Josh Clayton
A former Brisbane Lions player is among the recruits rolling in across the Mornington Peninsula league for 2023.
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The chase for recruits has been on in earnest for Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League clubs in the past month.
Division 1 and 2 teams have made key signings, signalling their intent to make a premiership push in 2023.
Here’s the latest:
Jacko back at the Kennel
He’s back!
Mornington key forward Jackson Calder is returning to the Bulldogs for the 2023 season after a stint up north.
The spearhead will return home at the end of the Northern Territory Football League season, in which he is currently playing with St Marys FC.
Calder has enjoyed tremendous success over the past few seasons, kicking loads of goals and playing in premierships; with St Marys in 2021-22 and another with Cairns City Lions.
“We are hoping to add another one at the Bulldogs in 2023,” Mornington said on social media.
Calder will play under a new coach at Mornington, with former Frankston VFL captain Josh Newman taking the reins.
Ex-AFL Lion heads to the Hill
Red Hill has landed a superb recruit, with former Brisbane Lion Josh Clayton coming on board.
The 26-year-old spent three years with the Lions, playing two AFL games in 2016.
He was a key member of Southport’s maiden NEAFL premiership in 2018 and played 18 games for Werribee in 2019 after returning to Melbourne.
Clayton will provide excellent leadership and a steadying presence around the ground for the Hillmen.
Bombers boost ruck stocks
Frankston Bombers believe they’ll have the best big man trio in the MPNFL next season after signing former Geelong, Werribee and Frankston VFL ruckman Jack Berry.
Berry will join Khan Haretuku and Harry Prior to form a trifecta of Bomber big guns.
At 198cm and 109kg, Berry at times dominated VFL games, collecting over 45 hit outs on occasions.
Bombers add midfield bull
Frankston Bombers have also secured Vermont mid-forward Dan Clarke, 23.
“A genuine blue collar, bull inside mid/forward thrives on hard footy and has the ability to hit the scoreboard when thrown forward,” the Bombers said of Clarke.
“Dan is a selfless team first player who will complement our midfield mix.”
Blues regain young gun
The Hastings rebuild is off to a flying start, with Clayton Gay returning to the Blues from a stint in the SANFL.
The former AFL Academy and Vic Country representative was touted as a draft prospect a year ago and spent season 2022 with West Adelaide.
“Clayton is a versatile player with an elite left foot kick and dangerous goal kicking ability,” Hastings said.
When appointed last month, new Hastings coach Gavin Artico outlined his plan to assemble a strong side.
“Let’s build,’’ he declared.
Craig joins Eagles
Division 2 premiership contender Somerville has signed versatile Devon Meadows player Leigh Craig.
Craig previously played at Mt Eliza junior and, at 193cm, he can play either forward or back.
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