New faces and new colours in the Northern Football Netball League
The Northern league season is nearly here and clubs are putting the finishing touches on their lists. Check out all the latest recruits here.
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The Northern Football Netball League season is just a month away.
However, that hasn’t stopped clubs from adding key pieces on the recruiting front.
Northcote Park has added a host of new faces as it looks to bounce straight back to Division 1, Old Eltham Collegians continues its impressive off-season, while Macleod and Hurstbridge secure exciting young prospects.
We’ve wrapped up the past couple of months of player movement in the league.
What was the biggest move?
MACLEOD
The Kangas have secured Bendigo Pioneers graduate Michael Kiraly for 2023. The youngster averaged 20 disposals a game in four NAB League appearances last season and is, at his best, a line-breaking half-back with plenty of football smarts. Has trained with Essendon’s VFL squad over the summer, which will be ideal preparation for the new season.
NORTH HEIDELBERG
The Bulldogs continue to build their depth this off-season and has secured youngster Zane Souleiman. The Yarrambat junior had been training with the Northern Knights during the pre-season and impressed track watchers at Shelley Reserve. While just 16 last year he made an appearance for North’s under-19s in a sign of his development.
WHITTLESEA
The Eagles welcome back 2013 premiership player Laurence Umali to the nest as well as 2010 and 2015 flag hero Matt Dornauf. Umali returns to the nest after several years out of the game and will bring a hard edge to the team. Meanwhile, Dornauf – club best-and-fairest winner and former Essendon VFL-listed midfielder – brings a wealth of experience, leadership and class. He had signed for Whittlesea for the cancelled 2020 season but played one game for Kilmore in 2021 and sat out last season.
HURSTBRIDGE
The Bridges continued their strong off-season with the addition of Whittlesea wingman Blake Fitzgerald, Park Orchards midfielder Ben Harrisson and small forward Luke de Goldi from Eltham. Fitzgerald arrives at Ben Frilay Oval, following in the footsteps of his father Ben after playing all 18 games for the Eagles last season. Was named in the best against Hurstbridge last season, so the club certainly knows what it’s getting. Harrisson is a Carlton Academy graduate and was part of Park Orchards’ under-19s grand final team last season. He will be looking to step up to senior football together with de Goldi. The young forward booted 16 goals in 15 reserve grade games for the Panthers last season and made his senior debut. Hurstbridge believe he can be “a welcome addition to our mosquito fleet”.
NORTHCOTE PARK
The Cougars aren’t looking to stay long in Division 2 after dropping down for the first time since 1994. Most notably, former Greensborough captain Chris Clark has signed on at Bill Lawry Oval, bringing plenty of experience and leadership. Won a premiership with the Borough in 2014 and captained the club to the decider in 2019. Proven goalkicker Damon Marcon will also pull on the green and yellow in 2023 having crossed from Epping. Ex-Pingers teammate and two-time West Preston-Lakeside premiership midfielder James Tadd is also on board, significantly boosting Northcote Park’s midfield. Completing a hat-trick of ex-Epping players is Adrian Cirianni.
Meanwhile, former Fitzroy (VAFA) and St Bernard’s key forward Rory Patterson could be one of the competition’s leading forwards, Matt Perazzola signs on from Preston Bullants, former Oakleigh Charger Nick Balderanos comes across from Surrey Park and Jake Battye is also on board.
WATSONIA
The Saints welcome Darcy and Blake Charles for 2023. Blake arrives from Montmorency where he won the Division 1 reserve grade goalkicking award with 52 majors. He’ll be a handy replacement for the departed Kyle Wheatley. He’ll play alongside brother Darcy, who was part of the Magpies under-19 premiership side in 2022. A strong, lock-down defender who will bolster Watsonia’s best 22.
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MOVES: LATEST RECRUITING NEWS FROM RIDDELL DISTRICT
OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS
The recruits continue to arrive at Eltham College and the Turtles are certainly shortening in the premiership market. Experienced big man Matt Williamson crosses from neighbours Eltham. The ruck-forward finished second in the Panthers goalkicking last season, playing 14 games including the semi-final loss to Banyule, but found himself out of the side for the preliminary final and grand final. Liam Rushton-McCoach is also a former Panther, crossing to the Turtles after winning a Division 2 reserve grade premiership with Eltham last season and featuring twice at senior level. And thirdly, Luke Crowley joins from Maryborough Castlemaine league outfit Dunolly. Crowley was named Eagles captain last season but is no stranger to the NFNL having had previous experience with Whittlesea and West Preston-Lakeside
Family draws Spicer to Stars
A family connection helped Fitzroy Stars land ex-AFL forward Phoenix Spicer and coach Neville Jetta believes it can have a longer-lasting impact.
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