Northern league: Ex-AFL and VFL players among the key signings
Former AFL players, VFL guns and league best-and-fairest are among the recent signings in the Northern league. Here’s all you need to know.
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Christmas came early for some Northern league clubs, while the new year brought plenty of promise as recruits made themselves at home.
Here’s the latest recruiting news from across the competition in recent weeks.
Five new faces at Greensborough
Greensborough has added some exciting depth to its playing list for next season with the arrival of five new players, all announced before Christmas.
Ruckman Jamie Smith, who arrives from Murray league premiers Mulwala, is one of the headline recruits and bring Northern experience having previously played with Hurstbridge.
Coburg VFL midfielder Harry Andronaco has nominated Greensborough as his home club for next season in another boost for the club.
Port Melbourne’s Charlie Bowes has also nominated The Boro as his home club after making the move from the Brisbane Lions VFL team.
Brody Glenn (Whittlesea) and Joe Aston-Delaney are the other new faces to have been announced.
Wild signings at Hurstbridge
Hurstbridge is continuing to build towards and has managed to secure an important piece of the puzzle with the arrivals of Wild brothers, Jake and Mitch.
The Bridges described former VFL swingman Jake as the “absolute professional” while believing Mitch “has the ability to play a multitude of roles in any top division program”.
The brothers will be joined by former West Preston Lakeside midfielder Chris McCabe.
Jake Richards (Laurimar), Josh Beven (Park Orchards), Kye Agosta (returning to footy) and Will Plain (Assumption College/Whittlesea) are the other key ins.
Former Carlton star’s son arrives at North Heidelberg
Another familiar AFL name will be running around at North Heidelberg next season after the Bulldogs confirmed the signing of Dane Whitnall, the son of Carlton star Lance.
Whitnall spent the 2022 season with the Calder Cannons as a key defender but has proven he also has the ability to play forward.
“Dane is keen to make his own career (and) we are delighted that he has chosen North Heidelberg where he joins a solid group of young players that we expect will add significant depth to our senior list with an eye on returning to finals action in 2023,” the club said in a social media post.
Bulls land Murray Bushrangers talent
Bundoora has added another high quality youngster to its books with Jedd Longmire joining the club for 2023.
Longmire has spent the last two years in the Murray Bushrangers program playing as an inside midfielder.
Quality rolls in for Division 1 newcomers
Banyule is putting together an exciting list ahead of its 2023 Division 1 campaign with several high profile arrivals in the lead up to Christmas.
Kurt Aylett, who spent time on Essendon and GWS’ AFL lists, headlines the arrivals after crossing from Myrtleford in the Ovens and Murray league.
He’ll be joined by Jack Raines (Pascoe Vale and Collingwood VFL) who comes to the Bears to play with his “close” friend Adam Carafa.
Daniel Costanzo (West Preston Lakeside), Jackson Jones (Heathcote, also a returning player), Lachie King (Northcote Park), Max Jones (Heidelberg) and ruckman Tom Hallebone (Northcote Park) are among the other new faces.
Signings galore continue at Panton Hill
Panton Hill has continued its busy off-season highlighted by the arrival of 2021 Division 2 league best-and-fairest Tom Keys from rivals Lower Plenty.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for keys who participated in Auskick at the club before joining Hurstbridge Juniors as Panton Hill did not have an age appropriate team.
Bryce Adams, Connor Lidgerwood and Hayden Wall were other recruits unveiled in recent weeks.
New faces at Thomastown
Thomastown has continued to bolster its playing stocks with two new signings confirmed before Christmas.
Ash Hood (Fitzroy Stars) and Anthony Bradford (Mernda) will don Bears’ colours in 2023.
Three more new faces at the Turtles
Old Eltham Collegians looks set to have significant depth this year after three more signings joined the club.
Former Diamond Creek defender Hugh Kavanagh headlined the latest recruiting haul as he prepares to make the step down to Division 3.
His time at his former club included three Team of the Year selections.
Ben Cotter and Daniel Hallett are the other new faces.
Mateship helps Diamond Creek land another
Josh Sims was unveiled as Diamond Creek’s final recruit before Christmas after he joined good mate Mitch Tobin, another Demons recruit, at the club.
He previously played for West Preston Lakeside.
Double signing at Watsonia
Watsonia’s plans for the 2023 season are now a little clearer after Lucas Vasilevski was unveiled as the club’s new recruit.
He crosses from Mernda and will be joined by former Montmorency midfielder Mitch Brownhill at the Saints.
Competition newcomers introduce their recruits
Ahead of its return to the Northern league, Kinglake has introduced three new recruits including midfielder Joe Slattery from Lancefield.
He’s set to be joined by Roy McIntyre (Mernda) and Rye Johnson (Whittlesea).
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