NFNL: Eltham and Thomastown among the busiest clubs

Several young guns have found new homes at Northern league clubs as the recruiting stakes heat up. Here are all the latest moves.

Northern league clubs are continuing to bolster their playing stocks for next season.

After a busy start to the off-season, more sides are unveiling their recruits as pre-season begins.

Here are all the latest moves across the competition.

Panton Hill announces two more arrivals

Panton Hill’s busy off-season is showing no signs of slowing down with another two recruits walking through the door.

Key position utility Lachlan Buckley has joined the club from Warrandyte but has previous experience in the Northern league with Diamond Creek and South Morang.

Joining him is Kyle Crosby, 21, who is set to return to the footy field after three years away.

He last played for Mooroolbark in the Eastern league.

South Morang land quality signings

South Morang’s step up into Division 2 is gathering momentum after the Lions unveiled a trio of key signings.

First came confirmation that Coburg listed onballer Josh D’intinosante would play for the club when selection allows.

Joining him will be Lachie Potter who returns to the club.

“Built with pace to burn Pottsy is a line breaking weapon who can run all day,” the club said.

Meanwhile, Beau Moorcroft is set to cross from Bundoora.

“A silky skilled and versatile halfback/mid who doesn’t mind a goal, Beau joins us after stints at Bundoora and Bright. Beau will add some serious class to our side with his pinpoint kicking,” a social media post said.

Hurstbridge continues to build

Hurstbridge is continue to build for next season with its recruiting tally now sitting at three players.

Wingman Jackson McNeil, formerly of Heidelberg, was the latest player unveiled by the club.

He arrives after playing in back-to-back premierships with the Tigers’ under-19s.

He joins Nick McColl who joined from Bundoora where he is a reserves premiership best and league best-and-fairest.

“With his best football in front of him he comes into 2023 hungry to prove a point,” Hurstbridge said in a social media post.

Meanwhile, Carlton VFL listed player Mitch Moschetti arrives from Phillip Island.

Moschetti spends his time between the midfield and forward line and played seven games for the Blues last season.

“A very genuine character who looks to grow his footy even more in Melbourne, will line up with us when available,” the club said in a social media post.

More talent arrives at Bundoora

The signings are continuing to roll in at Bundoora as the Bulls aim to bounce back from their grand final loss.

In recent days, Michael Ryan’s side have unveiled VFL listed ruckman Aaron Gundry who has spent time with Carlton.

“Aaron is known for his mobility, marking, ruck work and speed. In his draft year, Aaron clocked up an impressive 3.01 seconds in his 20m sprint,” the club said.

Kyle Wheatley flies for a mark.

He’s set to be joined by young forward Kyle Wheatley, 20, who is making the move from Division 2 club Watsonia.

Wheatley earned Team of the Year honours in 2022 after booting 43 gals.

The pair have followed in the footsteps of Peter McEvoy, Joe Palazzolo and Lachlan East in signing for the Bulls.

Montmorency welcome two new faces

Montmorency has two new players in its ranks for next season after the arrivals of Ben Paterson and Corey Sleep from Division 2 club Lower Plenty.

“Both Ben and (sic) Corey have been consistent performers with our neighbours at Lower Plenty FC, but have decided to have a crack at Division One football,” the club said.

“Ben is a third generation of the famous Paterson family who have served the club so well in the past.

“Corey is a hard as nails player, who had previously spent some time in the VFL with Williamstown before returning to the NFNL.”

Ben Paterson and Corey Sleep have signed for Montmorency.

Thomastown unveils three fresh faces

Thomastown’s playing list has been boosted by four quality inclusions.

Jude Georgievski was the latest recruit to be unveiled by the Bears, he is a talented junior from Epping and has represented Vic Metro at under-17 level.

“On top of being a junior footballer with the world at his feet, he is a star on the Athletics track,” the Bears said in a social media post.

“A national long jump champion and was selected for the Oceania Athletics Championship.

“A lightning quick runner, with the ability to burst out of stoppages and hit targets with his elite foot skills means Jude will slot nicely into the Bears line up.”

Former Northern Knight Josh Mazzarella was the first recruit unveiled after crossing from Division 3 outfit Mernda.

In 2021, Mazzarella was named in the Team of the Year and this season became a forward kicking 23 goals in 10 games.

“His ambition and hunger to become the best player he can possibly be will see him elevate his status as one of the most exciting young players in the competition,” the club said.

Joining him will be Matt Morrison from Bundoora, who is a back-to-back premiership player with the Bulls.

Morrison is a “natural and astute centre half back, his ability to read the play and intercept mark across the half back line is one of his greatest strengths”.

West Preston Lakeside premiership player Makka Zakkour was the club’s third signing unveiled.

He is expected to play a key role in defence for the Bears.

Eltham begins to take shape under new coach

New Eltham coach Tim Bongetti has his first two recruits for next season.

Craigieburn duo Corey Middleton and Nathan Perrone are both set to make the move to the Northern league.

Both were regular senior players for the Eagles this season.

“(Two) very handy footballers who will slot into the Panthers very nicely,” Eltham said in a social media post.

North Heidelberg lures Whittlesea star

Brody Bell will be in new colours next season after North Heidelberg confirmed his arrival from Division 1 rivals Whittlesea.

Bell finished third in Whittlesea’s best-and-fairest this season and is expected to play in defence under Jason Heatley.

“The club values Brody‘s football ability, where he has been on the radar for a few seasons now and (sic) we are extremely pleased that he will line up in Doggies colours for the year ahead,” the club said in a social media post.

Diamond Creek lands former Vic Metro representative

Diamond Creek has boosted its finals and premiership hopes for next season with the signing of Dale Marshall for the next two seasons.

Marshall arrives from East Keilor in the Essendon District league where he played after crossing from the Mornington Peninsula competition.

He has spent time on Carlton and Essendon’s VFL lists.

Mitch Tobin has signed at Diamond Creek. Photo: Facebook.

Joining Marshall at the club will be Mitch Tobin and Tarwan Rennie.

Tobin comes via Avenel in the Kyabram District league, while he is a two-time premiership player in Division 1 with West Preston Lakeside and is expected to play through the midfield.

Rennie is a former Montmorency junior who took a year off footy in 2022.

Bundoora’s Jacob Maynes will also now call Coventry Oval home after making the move to Diamond Creek.

Jeremiah Antypas has returned to his junior club, St Mary's. Photo: Facebook.

St Mary’s welcome back former junior

St Mary’s has confirmed former junior Jeremiah Antypas is returning to the club next season.

Antypas will play for the Burra once again after a tint with Marcellin Old Collegians in the VAFA.

“He is a skilled midfielder and known for his kick which has seen him score 217 goals across 126 senior games, and made VAFA team of the year twice,” St Mary’s said in a social media post.

Turtles add another former Epping player

Old Eltham Collegians have turned to Epping once again for another recruit.

The Turtles have unveiled Michael Jacobson as the club’s latest signing.

He is expected to play several key position roles.

Reservoir unveil first recruits

Division 3 battlers Reservoir have unveiled their first recruits for the 2023 season.

They’ve welcomed Blake Charles, Cody Johnson and Evan Sheedy.