Meet the mid-season recruits joining Northern league clubs

We’re almost at the half-way mark of the Northern league season but new recruits continue to flow into clubs. Check out the major moves.

Northern clubs are still making mid-season moves.

The local footy transfer deadline is just around the corner.

As we approach the half-way mark of the season, Northern league clubs continue to secure fresh talent.

Some significant names have made mid-season moves, including premiership players, Northern Knights graduates and club favourites.

Check out the latest moves here.

Arben Dani in action for Banyule. Picture: Nathan McNeill

ARBEN DANI (West Preston-Lakeside)

Arguably the biggest shock early/mid-season move, given his tenure at Banyule. A Bears NFNL Division 2 premiership player in 2022 and hardly missed a game from 2021 to 2023. However, played eight senior matches and five in the reserves last year. Played the first two games in the reserves this year before being elevated for the clash with Heidelberg in Round 3. However, two weeks later was in red, white and blue playing against Eltham and has played all three games in the seniors.

JASON ASHBY (Old Paradians)

A significant coup for the Raiders, securing the former Essendon defender, but it appears to be a one-off appearance at this stage. Ashby played 12 AFL games after being drafted with pick No.34 in 2012. He lives in Byron Bay and was in Melbourne for the weekend and had a connection to the Raiders through a club sponsor. He made his NFNL debut on Saturday, helping Old Paradians secure a heart-stopping one-point win over Watsonia, collecting 18 disposals.

DAMAN AUJLA (West Preston-Lakeside)

Returns to Moore Park after two seasons with EDFL club Pascoe Vale, where he played in the Premier Division grand final loss to Keilor last year. Aujla played 15 senior matches last season after 19 in 2023. The former VFL midfielder made his season debut on Saturday, playing in the reserves against Banyule. However, once back up to match fitness is sure to be a handy mid-season inclusion.

MITCH ANTONELLO (Heidelberg West)

A massive win for the Hawks, luring the talented big man to Heidelberg Park. Antonello only joined EDFL Premier Division club Deer Park this season, lured out west from NFNL Division 1 club Bundoora. However, he only made three senior appearances for the Lions before deciding to make a move. He made his West debut in the Round 6 clash with Epping and backed up against Laurimar on Saturday, earning a mention in the best both weeks.

BEN BEAVEN (Hurstbridge)

Returned to Ben Frilay Oval for one game in Round 6 before heading back to Queensland, where he’s listed at QAFL club Sandgate. Was among the Bridges’ best in the win over South Morang. Played seven senior games for Hurstbridge last season before moving north. Works in Queensland but could still make the occasional appearance for the Bridges when he’s back in Melbourne.

JAMIE KOUTOUFIDES (Montmorency)

Played senior footy at Reservoir last year before looking to play top-flight footy at Bundoora and played reserves in Round 1. He had a transfer to Essendon District club Deer Park approved on April 24 and debuted that weekend in a 238-point loss to Maribyrnong Park. However, it was a short stint as he is now back in the Northern league with Montmorency, stepping out for the first time – ironically – in Saturday’s reserve grade match against his old mob Bundoora.

Jamie Koutoufides in action for Reservoir. Picture: Josh Chadwick

TRAVIS KEATING (Bundoora)

Returns to Yulong Reserve after two seasons away – first at EDFL club Craigieburn, then NFNL Division 3 club Mernda. Played seven senior matches for the Demons last season, as well as eight in the reserves. Hasn’t taken the field yet this year and is obviously unlikely to play senior footy at the Bulls but provides critical depth and experience to the club’s struggling reserves.

FINNEN HOARE (Epping)

Returns to Epping Reserve after a brief stint at Tallangatta struggler Wahgunyah. Played three games for the Tigers before making the move. Has played in the Pingers’ reserves the past fortnight. However, played 11 games in the seniors last year – including both finals – so would be expected to push for a 2pm call-up in the coming weeks.

JETT ZACHARIAS (Reservoir)

Played senior footy at Northcote Park before heading off to VAFA powerhouse Uni Blacks, where he played a mix of reserves, under-19s and thirds. Returns to the Northern league after signing with the Mustangs. Got a senior call-up in Round 5, playing against Kilmore and has made two other appearances in the reserves. Another handy talent to have at Crispe Park.

Angelos Sidhom in action for Wallan. Picture: Andy Brownbill

ANGELOS SIDHOM (Thomastown)

A regular season player in EDFL Premier Division before moving to Riddell District club Wallan in 2023. Split his time between seniors (six) and reserves (eight) last season and had played one reserve grade game so far this year before making the move. He’s walked straight into Thomastown’s senior team and played the last three matches, including the breakthrough win over Watsonia in Round 6, where he kicked three goals.

JUDE GEORGIEVSKI (Epping)

The two-time long jump junior national champion returns to footy after a season off. Georgievski is an Epping junior and played 19 games for the Northern Knights in 2021-22, while also juggling his athletics. Turned up to training on Tuesday looking for a run and walked straight into the senior team on Saturday, such is his talent. A big boost as the Pingers look to challenge for the NFNL Division 3 title.

TYRRELL LUI (Heidelberg West)

Represented the Northern Territory in the AFL Under-16 National Championships in 2019 and has been at Point Cook since 2021. Played just the two games last year, one in the seniors one in the reserves and had played three more this season before deciding to join the Hawks. With his clearance approved, he walked straight into West’s senior team for Saturday’s clash with Laurimar and was among the best.

Tyrrell Lui in action for Cairns City. Picture: Stewart McLean

Luke Holian in action for Strathmore. Picture: Josh Chadwick

PATRICK O’SULLIVAN (Lalor)

Here’s something many Lalor players can’t boast, a 100 per cent winning record. O’Sullivan made his Bloods senior debut on Saturday and two hours later was singing the song as they knocked off Old Eltham to snap a 16-game losing streak. He arrived from EDFL club Essendon Doutta Stars, although he never played a game. According to his PlayHQ profile, he last pulled the boots on in 2023 for St Bernard’s in the VAFA.

ADEN BUTERA (St Mary’s)

Played senior NFNL Division 1 football at West Preston-Lakeside last season, so is clearly no slouch. Started the season out in the Roosters’ reserves, playing the opening four rounds. Butera then made the move to St Mary’s and while he’s again started out in the 12pm game, he’ll no doubt look to push his case for a senior game. Was among the Burras’ best in two of those three games.

LUKE HOLIAN (North Heidelberg)

Has already repaid the Bulldogs faith in recruiting him with a major role in the after-the-siren win over South Morang on Saturday. It was Holian’s run-and-carry that set up Zane Souleiman’s match-winning goal. Came across from EDFL Premier Division power Strathmore, where he’d played three reserve grade games at the start of the season. Has played the last two games in the ones at North Heidelberg and looks an astute mid-season acquisition.