MPNFL 2021: Former Richmond player Brett O’Hanlon joins Chelsea in Division 2

A former Richmond player has been cleared to an MPNFL Division 2 side as clubs look to bolster their lists ahead of the June 30 transfer deadline.

Brett O'Hanlon takes a strong mark for Richmond in front of Essendon’s Kyle Hardingham at the MCG.

He could be a handy inclusion later in the season...

Former AFL Tiger Brett O’Hanlon has been cleared to Chelsea, making the Seagulls his home club while he has another shot at elite ranks with Frankston in the VFL.

The 27-year-old is playing for the Dolphins this season — he played against Essendon last Sunday — after making a surprise approach to them about playing in the VFL.

In March, Frankston coach Danny Ryan said O’Hanlon had been embraced by the players.

“He gives us some experience, he understands what elite looks like,” Ryan said.

“He can play back or forward, a 6’2 sort of swing player, big buckets for hands, a good marking player. He’s been really embraced by the group.’’

Brett O'Hanlon stands in the middle of the Richmond Tigers circle singing the song.

Drafted from the Dandenong Stingrays, O’Hanlon played nine games for Richmond between 2012-14.

Chelsea coach James Brain said O’Hanlon would be very handy in the navy blue and white hoops.

“Hopefully we can get enough games into him...to play some finals for us,” Brain said.

“He nearly played on the weekend but he ended up getting picked for Frankston and he might have tweaked a calf on the weekend so we might get him in a few weeks when he comes back.”

Chelsea lost forward Sam Wettenhall to an ACL injury in its loss to Morningon last Saturday.

It’s feared it could be a career-ending injury for the former Mt Eliza player.

“That’s probably career done,’’ Brain said.

“He’s probably at an age...and he has a second kid. It’s a bit unfortunate.’’

Chelsea sits in eight spot on the MPNFL Division 2 ladder with a 3-4 record.