MPNFL: Tyabb’s recruiting bonanza sets up exciting 2023

The Yabbies are well placed to break a 22-year finals drought in the MPNFL after securing a package of recruits, including best and fairest winners and VFL players.

Frankston Bomber Jake Greeley has signed to play with Tyabb in 2023. Picture: Chris Eastman

It was months in the making.

Tyabb knew the recruits it wanted.

It was just a case of sealing the deal.

And the signings have come thick and fast in the past month for the Yabbies.

A package of Frankston Bombers players, headlined by star Sam Fox and including Dale Sutton and Jake Greeley, have joined the pond.

So, too, has Mt Eliza utility James Hammond and Somerville’s Brett Sutton.

Former Frankston and Casey Demons VFL player Brad Sykes also signed.

And with the entire Tyabb list re signing for 2023, the Yabbies will be setting their sights on playing finals for the first time since 2001.

James Hammond.

Sam Fox (left) with Tyabb coach Anthony Agius. Picture: Facebook

Tyabb coach Anthony Agius said the recruiting drive was “well planned”.

“I’ve been eyeing them off for about a year now,” he said.

“I went and watched them play when I could and followed them.

“We just needed some mature players and players who’ve played at the higher levels just to be able to go to the next level with Tyabb.

“We went for them and we got them.

“It’s just huge for the footy club, it’s gone gang busters really.

“Our depth hasn’t been great so what it will do now is put a fair bit of competition in among the ranks.

“They’re going to have to fight for their games. No more easy games I suppose.”

Tyabb finished in 11th spot in MPNFL Division 2 this year, with a bunch of young Yabbies emerging including Will Hose, Jon Watson, Josh Guinea and Tom Maine.

Dale Sutton in action for Frankston Bombers. Picture: Chris Eastman

The new signings boast impressive credentials and know how to win games of footy.

Fox won the MPNFL Division 2 league medal in 2016, with Dale Sutton finishing runner up.

In the same year the best mates tied in the Frankston Bombers B&F award.

Fox was also a fine player at VFL level with Frankston and Sandringham, making a VFL team of the year.

Dale Sutton also finished runner up in a Division 1 league medal in 2018.

Greeley, Hammond and Sykes all played in the VFL and have been fine players at local level.

Tyabb coach Anthony Agius.

Agius wants the Tyabb community to get behind their side in 2023 and help the Yabbies achieve something special.

“Tyabb’s a fantastic community and they haven’t had much success,” he said.

“I think now with these players coming to our club it’s almost becoming a bit of a destination club.

“And I think the excitement will be building up around the local area and we certainly as a club will get around the area and drop some pamphlets into letterboxes.

“We want to embrace the community so every time we play at home we’ve got a full house, which gives us an atmosphere.

“There’s a lot of thought put into what we’ve done.

“Having Foxy sign on the weekend, he was top of the tree.”

Agius said the Yabbies were still recruiting.

“All we want now is a ruckman, and we’ve got our eyes on one of them as well,’’ he said.