NFL: Bundoora premiership player Todd Hughes joins Thomastown for 2020
Todd Hughes, a member of Bundoora’s 2017 Division 1 flag, has moved to Thomastown, with his new club describing him as “proven performer on the bigger stages”.
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Thomastown has added potency to its attacking half with Todd Hughes crossing from NFL Division 1 club Bundoora.
Hughes played just seven senior games for the Bulls this year, with a broken arm hampering his campaign as he made 10 appearances in the reserves.
But the key forward kicked 47 goals from 31 games in his first two seasons at Bundoora and was a member of the club’s 2017 premiership team.
Before testing himself in the top flight, Hughes booted 196 goals in three seasons for Lalor.
Just two Bears – Anthony Capeci (37) and Shannon Ball (31) – contributed more than 19 majors in Division 2 this season.
“A key forward with a bit of experience was something we needed,” Thomastown president
Rob Mazniovski said.
“He has played in Division 2 and Division 1, played in premiership sides and he kicks goals when it matters. That’s one thing he keeps doing year after year.
“He’s a proven performer on the bigger stages and can do it against quality opposition.
“That’s something that appealed to us.”
There has been little movement at the Bears, with the experienced Mario Bandera taking over as coach for 2020.
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Bandera is a premiership mentor at Epping and also guided Eltham to a Division 1 preliminary final in 2015.
He was in charge of VAFA club Ivanhoe this season.
The Bears parted ways with Ben Chapman mid-year before replacement Scott Plant steering them to a fourth-placed finish.
Plant will stay on as an assistant coach.
Mazniovski said Thomastown was confident in its list after back-to-back elimination final exits.
“We’re not going out there chasing too many players this year,” he said.
“We’re targeting what we need. We’re pretty happy with the side in terms of what we offer.
“With Mario coming on board, he’ll obviously put in some structures that will get more out of the group, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Jacob Osei-Duro, who contributed 14 goals from nine senior matches this year, has moved to EDFL outfit Tullamarine.
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