MPNFL: Devon Meadows signs former St Kilda player

New Panthers coach Ryan Hendy says the club is ‘absolutely buzzing’ after a huge week of signings, including a former AFL Saint.

St Kilda's Brandon White celebrates his first AFL goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis

It’s been a week of important announcements at Devon Meadows.

First of all, Ryan Hendy was locked in as Panthers senior coach.

Then came the key signing of Beaconsfield midfielder Nick Battle, described by Hendy as “as good a local footballer running around’’.

The buzz continued when Devon Meadows revealed it had also signed former St Kilda player Brandon White.

The 24-year-old played 11 games with the Saints after being drafted with pick 40 in 2015.

He had four seasons on St Kilda’s list and in 2019 excelled in the VFL for Sandringham, sharing the best and fairest.

Brandon White marking for St Kilda against Gold Coast Suns.

For the past two seasons White has played with his local club Beaconsfield, alongside Battle and under Hendy as assistant coach.

“When he came to Beaconsfield we just clicked straight away,” Hendy said.

“He plays in the midfield and can play across half back.

“He’s got great hands, he’s hard at the footy, got a raking left foot kick and probably his biggest asset is that he just reads the footy so well.”

Devon Meadows loomed as a finals contender in MPNFL Division 2 this year before Covid cut short the season.

The addition of Battle and White make the Panthers a genuine title hope in 2022.

“We will have (Joel) Hillis, Battle and White going through the midfield so it’s going to be as strong as any midfield going around you’d think,” Hendy said.

Devon Meadows star Joel Hillis has committed for 2022. Picture: Facebook

White is close friends with former St Kilda player Bailey Rice — they grew up together, lived nearby and were drafted together.

Rice is currently in the US pursuing a gridiron career but will play with Devon Meadows when he returns next year. It’s yet another boost for the Panthers.

“He will a hundred percent be playing footy with us,” Hendy said.

“He’s already a Devon Meadows contracted player.”

S Kilda's Bailey Rice. Pic: Michael Klein

Isaac Barassi and Ty Kirkwood emerged as two of Devon Meadows’ most exciting young players this year, and both have re-signed for 2022.

So, too, have a raft of other players including Rory Hillis, Stefan Baumgartner, Brady O’Toole, Justin Kiss, Hamish McLeod and Liam and Nathan Drew.

The Panthers’ pen still has more ink in it, and more signings are to come.

“We’re very close to signing a big ruckman,” Hendy said.

“It’s all going well at the moment.

“There will be a couple more. Obviously we have to be careful because you can’t go past the (salary) cap but there’s definitely a couple more in the pipeline.”

The signings and appointments have given the Devon Meadows club a shot of energy.

“Oh mate, it’s absolutely buzzing,” Hendy said.

“Everyone is that excited, all the players are recommitting.

“All the supporters and members are thrilled and they can’t wait.

“They’ve got some real top-end talent coming to the club.’’

In more positive news, former Frankston Bombers player Ryan Lia has been appointed coach of Devon Meadows’ reserves side.