MPNFL: Tyabb makes a string of signings as it strengthens its list for 2020
A former Carlton rookie, who is a cousin of Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli, is Tyabb’s latest signing.
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A former Carlton rookie, who is a cousin of Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli, spearheads a package of recruits for Tyabb.
Luke Stanton, 28, a 193cm midfielder-wingman, is Tyabb’s 10th signing in the past month.
Stanton was on Carlton’s list in 2009 before a prolapsed disc ended his AFL dream.
He has since enjoyed premiership success at Greensborough, alongside ex-Pines star Tim Bongetti, and at Hepburn.
Stanton joins a string of Pines players to make the move to Tyabb — Harley Parker, Shaun White, Luke Houldcroft, Rhys Chalkley, Jamie Messina and Jean Bezzene.
Another ex-Python, Damian Plane, via Chelsea Heights, has signed, too.
Caroline Springs ruckman Caleb Docherty, 23, and Chelsea Heights forward Zach Caccaviello are other additions.
Tyabb coach Aaron Pacey said the newcomers would lift standards and an injection of new blood was exciting for the club.
“For us the exciting part is that these guys have come across with that winning mentality,” he said.
“They’ve been at Pines under Paddy (Swayn) and what he’s instilled in them — about winning and building a really strong culture — we want them to bring that across to us and really help us in that direction.
“They are all really driven. A few of them have said they are looking forward to earning their stripes again, having to earn that respect from a new playing group. It’s all pretty exciting.”
Tyabb, though, missed out on Pines star and ex-AFL man Aaron Edwards.
“We had a chat,” Pacey said.
“It would have been nice but he was pretty happy with the Pines and obviously he’s been there for a few years now and wanted to continue to lead that charge. I respect him for being up front and honest about it.”
Tyabb finished third bottom in MPNFL Division 2 last season but the injection of recruits should see it improve in 2020.
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Tyabb has lost Paul Ransom, who has moved to Queensland for his job, while Brendan Doyle and Spencer McCartney have gone back to Seaford, and Curtis Murfett looks like returning St Paul’s.