NFL: Nick Meese in line for West Preston-Lakeside return after VFL retirement
Nick Meese captained West Preston-Lakeside’s 2010 premiership side before making a name for himself in the VFL. The star ruckman has committed to playing local footy in 2020, and the Roosters are the obvious frontrunner for his services.
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West Preston-Lakeside is eyeing the return of its 2010 premiership captain and Frank Rosbrook medallist Nick Meese from the VFL.
While nothing has been confirmed, the back-to-back NFL Division 1 premier is the obvious frontrunner to secure the star big man’s services.
The 195cm Meese has retired from the VFL after establishing himself as the competition’s leading ruckman in a decorated 162-game career with Williamstown and Northern Blues.
He was a member of the Seagulls’ 2015 flag and claimed the club’s best and fairest in 2017.
The 31-year-old produced another stellar campaign in 2019, averaging 46 hit-outs, 13.2 disposals and 6.2 tackles per game.
Meese earned selection in the VFL Team of the Year for a sixth consecutive season.
West Preston-Lakeside coach Rob Maiorana also worked with Meese during his nine-year stint as an assistant at the Blues.
“He’s had an amazing career. He should be really proud of what he’s achieved at that level, and for so long,” Maiorana said.
“He’s been an ornament to that competition and the club’s pretty proud of a junior product who has gone on to do well for himself.
“I think he was quite stiff to not play at a higher level even. He’s just an old-fashioned footballer in the way he goes about it and a ripping bloke as well.
“He’s one we hope returns to the club at some point down the track.
“We’ll give him a little bit of breathing space and then see what it looks like for next year.”
The Roosters are well-stocked for talls, with Mark Kovacevic best afield in the club’s 2018 grand final triumph.
Kovacevic was limited to just five matches this year because of a knee injury, leaving Coburg VFL-listed player Matthew Harman to shoulder the ruck load.
Harman played 18 games and had five mentions in the best as West Preston-Lakeside recovered from 0-6 to win the ultimate prize.
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“To guide those ruckmen as well, he (Meese) could play a role with that,” Maiorana said.
“But I’m not sure yet what it looks like for Nick and what he wants to do.
“But for what he’s able to offer, his experience, his connection to the club — it all sort of makes sense.”
James Tadd, who has moved to Epping, is the Roosters’ only departure of note.
Maiorana said the club’s top priority was to lock away its existing talent.
“We’re pretty comfortable with the list we’ve got together — the age profile, the talent — so we’ll continue to develop that,” he said.
“If we think anyone can come in and help us, we’ll have a look, but primarily we think we’ll persevere with what we’ve got and continue to get some improvement out of the guys on the list.
“We’re pretty versatile, evenly spread and quite young.
“It’s served us well the last couple of years.”
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