NFNL: Macleod signs Darcy Barden, Jack Lipscombe and Zac Hudson

Macleod has continued its impressive off-season with a trio of new faces arriving at the club including a reigning league best-and-fairest.

Darcy Barden is making the step up to Division 1. Photo: Facebook.

Macleod has a clear intent in its recruiting plans this off-season.

The Kangas are continuing to add more experienced bodies to their talented young group after unveiling three fresh faces in recent days.

Reigning Northern League Division 2 best-and-fairest Darcy Barden is set to return to the top tier of the competition after signing with the club from Lower Plenty.

Barden, who was also named in defence of the Division 2 Team of the Year, will be joined by former VFL talents Jack Lipscombe and Zac Hudson.

The three moves have provided another major boost to Macleod who announced retired Essendon star Michael Hurley would return to his junior club for the 2023 season.

Macleod coach Craig Hayes said there is a clear plan in place for how he and his coaching staff were looking ahead to next year.

“We’ve got some very talented young players and we thought we needed some more experienced players around them,” he said.

“We understand we’ve got some issues with our height, you see us run out on the ground and we’re a smaller side, and that’s something we’ve gone out to try and address.

Darcy Barden is making the step up to Division 1. Photo: Facebook.

“To steal a term about Darcy, you would say he is the ultimate professional. Some guys at the same stage of his career might be looking to take a step back and player in a lower grade but he’s the complete opposite.

“His fitness and work ethic are just two things that stand out of him. He’s going to play a big role in our group’s development.”

Hudson arrives at DeWinton Park after an impressive season for St Mary’s where he played 18 senior games and developed a proven ability to get forward and hit the scoreboard with eight majors.

Hayes believes there is still plenty of promise in the 200cm prospect’s game.

“We’re hopeful by coming to Division 1 footy we can help fast track his development,” Hayes said.

“Like other young guys there are going to be some up and downs along the way — we expect that.

“What a perfect role model he’s got to learn from in Patty Flynn. If he can take on board half of the stuff he says he’s going to enjoy a successful career here.”

Jack Lipscombe is a former North Melbourne VFL player. Photo: Facebook.

Zac Hudson has joined Macleod from St Mary's. Photo: Facebook.

Lipscombe has spent the last two years at state league level with Aspley and North Melbourne.

In 2022, he played 10 games for North.

“He’s coming in as another big bodied midfielder who can play half forward or halfback,” Hayes said.

“At 23, he’s just coming into the prime of his career. Another experienced player who will add a bit for us.”

The latest trio aren’t expected to be the only fresh arrivals at Macleod this off-season either.

Hayes said the club remained on the hunt for a “couple more” recruits.

“We’re in really good shape at the moment, a long way ahead of where we were last season,” he said.

“We’ve had a couple of retirements and lost Jack Bianchin to St Mary’s but other than those we’ve managed to retain everyone.”

Macleod finished the 2022 season seventh on the ladder with a 7-10 record.