Outer East league: Ex-AFL Magpie joins Wandin

There’s been a significant transfer lodged in Outer East league, with a former Collingwood AFL player linking with Wandin.

Caleb Poulter (left) celebrates with Steele Sidebottom in Adelaide. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Wandin will have three ex-AFL players on its list in 2023.

Already with former North Melbourne and Carlton player Aaron Mullett and ex-Port Adelaide defender Joel Garner, Wandin has now become the home club of ex-Collingwood AFL and current Footscray VFL player Caleb Poulter.

The 20-year-old has made Wandin his community club. A transfer request was lodged with Outer East league on Tuesday.

Drafted by Collingwood with their fourth pick of the 2020 national draft, Poulter made 12 appearances for the Magpies in 2021-22 before he was delisted last October.

Poulter’s link with Wandin is through Garner; the pair play together at Footscray VFL.

Wandin coach Nick Adam said Poulter was “not signed, sealed, delivered yet” but his arrival was “probable”.

“His pathway is probably back to AFL footy,” Adam said.

Caleb Poulter. Photo: Michael Klein

Adam was unsure when, or if, Poulter would pull on the Wandin jumper this season.

“We might get him for their bye weeks,” he said.

“It’s about his appetite to play and get a game in.

“With the VFL guys your access to them earlier in the year is probably better than at the back end.

“Their (Footscray’s) first bye is (at the same time Wandin plays) against Woori Yallock so it’s probably not a bad one if it lines up that way, I’d be pretty comfortable bringing him in against our main rivals.”

Aaron Mullett of the Blues. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

Wandin is setting its sights high this year, determined to challenge reigning premiers Narre Warren for top billing in Premier Division.

Adam said Mullett, who joins Wandin from Mooroolbark, had fitted in “really well’’.

“He’s as talented as anyone we’ve had walk in the door at the footy club,’’ Adam said.

“We’re excited and he s a good fella, too, which is really important. He’s fitted in really well with the group and his experience in the AFL and local level is really valuable for the coaching group as well.’’

Jordan Jaworski (right) playing for Lilydale. Photo: Hamish Blair

Wandin has also been boosted by proven Lilydale forward Jordan Jaworski and welcomed back former premiership player Brad Harvey.

Adam said Jaworski impressed in a recent practice match.

“He showed he’s going to be a handful for oppo this year and a really solid addition for us,” he said.

“I think we’re in a significantly better place this year than we were last year.”

Adam said Wandin wants to “have a crack” at Narre Warren this season.

“If you want to win a premiership in Outer East you’ve got to be aspirational to beat Narre Warren and that’s what we are,” he said.