Wild brothers set to combine at Whittlesea for NFL Division 1 season

Whittlesea has bolstered its squad ahead of its long-awaited return to NFL Division 1 with a trio of brothers boasting VFL and NAB League experience signing on.

Whittlesea has landed a trio of Wild recruits ahead of its long-awaited return to NFL Division 1.

Brothers Cameron, Mitch and Jake Wild are set to combine for the first time after signing on for the 2021 season.

Cameron is expected to play through the midfield, while Jake can play key position at either end and pinch-hit in the ruck and Mitch will be used off half-back or on a wing.

Whittlesea coach Blair Harvey was looking forward to seeing all three in Eagles colours.

“They’re ripping young kids and we’re rapt to get all three brothers,” he said.

Mitch Wild with coach Blair Harvey.

Cam Wild has also signed with Whittlesea.

“They’re the right age demographic for us as well – Cam is 19, Mitch is 20 and Jake is 23 – so perfect for what we’re trying to build.”

Cameron played 13 NAB League games for Murray Bushrangers, averaging 23 disposals a game to earn Vic Country honours in 2019 and had signed for Northern Blues and Shepparton United before COVID-19 wiped out Victoria’s football season.

He switched to SANFL outfit Central District, playing one senior game, before playing 11 games for Waratah in the Northern Territory Football League.

Both he and Mitch will train with revived VFL club Northern Bullants in the hope of winning a VFL contract.

Mitch has previously played with the Northern Knights and was a key player for Diamond Creek in Division 2, making 16 appearances in 2019.

Jake is currently in the NT, playing for Waratah, and is expected to join the Eagles in February or March.

Jake Wild in action for Waratah. Picture: Che Chorley

He had been set to join Mitch at the Creekers in 2020 after coming down from Ovens and Murray power Yarrawonga and has previously been listed by the Northern Blues.

“We’d been talked to Cam last year but he signed at Shepp United,” Harvey revealed.

“We made contact with him through Brodie Bell and were able to land a job for him and then one thing led to another.

“The stars aligned and we were able to get all three.”

The Wild brothers will bolster Whittlesea’s line-up ahead of what looks a fascinating Division 1 season.

They join former VFL big man Sam Peat, former VFL midfielder Cam Barrett and ex-Whittlesea junior Jacob Bateman at the Showgrounds.

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Harvey confirmed 20 of the club’s 2019 Division 2 premiership-winning team had re-committed for 2021.

“It’s going to strengthen our onball brigade big time, it’s going to bat pretty deep this year with the calibre of boys we’ve picked up,” he said.

“We’re going to add six or seven guys into what was already an exciting young list and we’re excited to see what this group can do.”

Boom 2020 recruit, ex-St Kilda midfielder, Bailey Rice has taken up a punting scholarship in the US.