NFL and Bundoora legend Gary Moorcroft set to make comeback

Northern Football League and Bundoora legend Gary Moorcroft is set to make a shock return in a massive mid-season boost to the Bulls’ finals hopes.

Northern Football League and Bundoora legend Gary Moorcroft is set to make a shock return.

The 45-year-old has lodged a clearance – together with his son, Beau – from Ovens and King club Bright to Bundoora and could play reserves for the Bulls as early as this weekend.

After gaining match fitness he is expected to then make his senior return.

It would be a massive boost to the Bulls’ finals aspirations with the goalkicking great to slot in beside the league’s second leading goalscorer Sam Lloyd and marking targets John Jorgensen and Jesse King.

Bundoora coach Michael Ryan spoke to Moorcroft on Sunday and again on Tuesday night at training, confirming the return.

Gary Moorcroft celebrates a goal for Bundoora. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“He put a phone call in and said the travel up to Bright was wearing him down a bit and he was keen to come back and have a kick with Bundoora,” Ryan said.

“The aim is to play the first couple in the reserves and from there, if he’s body is holding up and he’s feeling confident, he’ll play senior footy with us sooner rather than later.

“Gary has still be training with us all year even though he’s been driving up to Bright, so he’s still got the connection with the group.

“The good thing is now with Sam Lloyd there and John Jorgensen and Jesse King up front, we’re not as one dimensional as what we were previously.

“Gary’s kicked nearly 575 goals for the club, so you’re never going to turn away a person like that, it will only make you stronger.

“It was a nice little surprise when we found out and I know the group are excited about it as well, it gives them a nice little shot in the arm.”

Gary and Beau Moorcroft. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Moorcroft retired at the end of 2019 before deciding to play for the Mountain Men, where he played three games this season.

The former Essendon and Melbourne forward won three NFL Division 1 premierships with Bundoora, three league goalkicking awards and was named in the Team of the Year seven times during an illustrious career.

In his final season with the Bulls he kicked 51 goals to finish fourth on the competition goalkicking charts.

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“He’s still a freak, I think in a reserves practice match earlier in the year they kicked 10 goals and Gary kicked nine of the 10,” Ryan said.

Beau Moorcroft has also lodged a clearance back to Bundoora after five games this season for Bright.

He kicked six goals and was named in the club’s best on two occasions.

Bundoora travels to Whittlesea this weekend for a clash against the ninth-placed Eagles.