Delisted Richmond player Noah Cumberland finds his new local footy home

After being delisted by Richmond, young gun Noah Cumberland has found his new local footy home, joining a fast-rising club making its Division 1 return.

Noah Cumberland celebrates a goal for Richmond.

South Morang’s return to the Northern league’s top-flight has received a gigantic boost.

The Lions have secured the services for former Richmond midfield-forward Noah Cumberland for the 2025 season.

Cumberland arrives at Mill Park Lakes Reserve after 25 AFL games and 33 goals for the Tigers.

The 23-year-old was drafted out of Queensland with pick No.43 in the 2019 national draft, making his debut – albeit not actually stepping on the field as an un-used substitute – against Sydney in Round 11, 2022.

He won a Rising Star nomination later that season and would play his last game against Fremantle in Round 18, 2024 before being delisted.

Noah Cumberland celebrates his first AFL win. Picture: Mark Stewart

He becomes South Morang’s first major recruit of the off-season.

Lions coach Gary Hall said a connection through mutual friends had opened the door to securing Cumberland’s signature.

“I’ve met Noah a few times and his partner Nat knows a few down at the club too,” Hall said.

“(We met) through friends and he lives five minutes down the road, so it’s all pretty convienent for him.

“We said we were targeting someone who was going to be a full-time footballer (not VFL-listed) but weren’t expecting such a big-name like Noah to come along.

“It’s just fantastic for the club.”

The Lions claimed a history-making NFNL Division 2 premiership to book their return to Division 1 for the first time since 1980.

Cumberland’s arrival is arguably the biggest recruit in club history alongside the likes of Gary Moorcroft.

“Obviously Gazza was a little bit on in years and Noah is 23,” Hall said.

“His best football is still ahead of him, so to have someone that talented is fantastic, there’s a massive buzz around the club.”

South Morang will return to pre-season training on January 29.

Hall said the club had given its senior players extra time off to recover after its run to the Division 2 premiership.

Cumberland’s versatility to be a major bonus to the club’s hopes of success.

“Like all our players, they’re all pretty adaptabe,” he said.

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“Noah is athletic, tall, a beautiful kick so he’ll play a variety of positions.

“He can play forward or midfield, so we’ll just see how our structure goes and how he looks in pre-season.

“We’ve got some quality recruits and quality people as well and Noah and Nat fit into that.

“It’s a great get for the footy club and all the kids around the club will be pretty excited.”