NFL 2019: Ex-VFL midfielder Daniel Venditti signs with Bundoora

In a month, Daniel Venditti will marry Andrew Sturgess’ sister Katia. The ex-VFL star has already said yes to Sturgess, agreeing to join him at Bundoora.

Former Coburg star Daniel Venditti has joined Bundoora. Picture: Adam Elwood

TRIPLE VFL best and fairest Daniel Venditti has joined Bundoora in a significant coup for new Bulls coach Andrew Sturgess.

The three-time Coburg best-and-fairest winner will return to Melbourne after a season playing for Central Highlands club Beaufort.

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Venditti departed Coburg in 2016 for a job opportunity in London when he had been favoured to replace Nick Carnell as captain.

The tough on-baller played with the Bundoora coach in the state league and will marry Sturgess’ sister Katia in about a month.

“He’s going to become my brother-in-law, so there’s a bit of a stronger connection than just pure football,” Sturgess said.

“But obviously met through football, played together there and formed a really good friendship.

“In a way it was like, ‘can I marry your sister?’ and ‘if you come and play footy for me, then of course you can’.”

Sturgess said the 31-year-old would be a key member of the Bulls’ midfield, bringing valuable experience after the departures of Ricky Dyson (Banyule), Peter Hood (retired), Josh Grabowski, Joe Palazzolo and Nick Grabowski (all East Keilor) from Yulong Reserve.

“He’ll be our biggest signing for the off-season,” Sturgess said.

“I’m sure everyone else will be excited to have him down at the club just for his resume alone.

“But I have seen first-hand how hard he trains and prepares and all the stuff that goes into being the player he has been and will continue to be.

“It’s going to be good for our group.”

Daniel Sturgess is wrapped up this year while playing for Beaufort. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Venditti played more than 50 VFL games for Coburg and featured 15 times in the CHFL for Beaufort this year.

“He’s really good with his hands around stoppages,” Sturgess said.

“I think when he’s at his best, he’s actually really good at spreading on the outside.

“He’s had to be, because he has been tagged pretty heavily.

“He’s an all-round midfielder that we have been searching for. With the guys that have moved on, he’s a very good replacement and he’ll slot in very nicely.

“Not just for the player he is, just the off-field stuff. That’s what makes him the footballer that he is.”

The Bulls have also signed Mernda pair Adran Stefanile and Liam Gray, Avondale Heights’ Matthew Evans and Whittlesea on-baller Brenton Briffa.

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