Eltham secures return of Team of the Year star to bolster backline

Eltham’s backline has been strengthened by the return to a NFL Team of the Year star, while a young defender commits after missing a VFL contract.

Mathew Keys in action for Eltham.

Eltham’s backline looms as a tough nut to crack this NFL Division 2 season.

The Panthers have secured the return to Team of the Year star Matt Keys, while Lane Sinclair has committed full-time after missing a spot on Collingwood’s list.

Keys had signed with Shepparton United for 2020 but returns to Central Park without missing a match. He made 15 appearances in 2019, earning a mention in the best seven times.

Sinclair played 16 of 18 games in 2019, earning four mentions in the best, and had been training with the Magpies.

Eltham has also secured Tom Cantwell from division rival St Mary’s, adding much-needed ruck and key position depth.

Lane Sinclair in action for Eltham. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It’s fantastic, Matt’s a very good player, and one of the premier full-backs in second division,” Eltham coach Rob Hyde said.

“He was meant to travel up (to Shepparton) but his wife had a baby and a few of his friends have also had kids and wanted to be part of that group.

“Laine’s come back from Collingwood, which is a great get for us, he’s a terrific young man and can also play a bit of footy.

“He might play as the third tall, depends on what we do with Tim Currie who I’d like to play across centre half-back but will also depend on how we’re going up forward.”

“Tom’s 21 and 6’5, and was in St Mary’s best three or four but wanted to play with his brothers at Eltham.

“He’s another we can put in the ruck and give Willo (Matthew Williamson) a bit of a chop out and let him play forward a bit more.”

Meanwhile, Nick Riebelt is currently training with Northern Blues in the hopes of winning a VFL contract with the revived Bullants.

And at Coburg, Michael Still’s coaching duties will limit his output for Eltham this season.

The star forward hopes to be available for as many as 10 games with Hyde hoping the reduced load could work in his favour.

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“I spoke to him last week, he’s got a few things going on, but he’s been training with Coburg anyway,” he said.

“He’ll be a massive plus for us if we can get half a season out of him, he’s had his injury struggles so playing half a season should get him up and going.”

Still won the Division 2 goalkicking award in 2019, booting 44 majors in just 12 games.

Eltham will kick off its 2021 campaign on Good Friday at home against St Mary’s.