RDFL 2018: Wallan signs star forward Matt Perri
ONE of Victoria’s most lethal forwards has signed for a Riddell District Football League club in a huge boost to its chances of claiming a drought-breaking premiership.
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WALLAN has landed the prized signature of one of Victoria’s most lethal forwards in a huge boost to its push for a drought-breaking Riddell District Football League flag.
The Magpies have signed Leitchville-Gunbower star Matt Perri, who has kicked 342 goals in the past four years in the Heathcote District league.
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The 30-year-old booted an incredible 124 majors in 2017 and has not been held goalless in the past two years, establishing a reputation as one of the state’s most consistent goalkickers.
“He’s been consistent, but he’s kicking goals on the big stage as well which provides a bit of X-factor,” Wallan coach Daniel Nolan said.
“That matchwinning quality which is what we were looking for.
“He’s played a big part in their premierships, back-to-back the last two years.
“I would really think he’ll help our young forwards as well, the kids coming through from the under-19s.
“Having Pez down there as a focal point, it’s really exciting.”
The Magpies have not won a premiership since 1992 and last claimed a finals victory 17 years ago.
Nolan hopes Perri, who he played in a premiership alongside for Pascoe Vale in 2011, will be the missing piece of the puzzle.
“Some of his best mates from that flag are actually at Wallan,” he said.
“Michael Mannix, who is our captain, and Danny O’Sullivan as well.
“We all played together in that premiership and are all pretty excited to get him on board.”
Huge news out of the @RDFNL with one of Victoria's best forwards joining @WallanFNC - https://t.co/1HS81doop3 pic.twitter.com/SukXKzcDAW
— Local Footy (@localfooty) October 28, 2018
Perri has kicked 10 goals in grand final wins in the past two years and Nolan is confident his premiership experience will be invaluable for Wallan’s developing list.
“His leadership and what he can bring from premierships the last few years, which is what we are building towards,” he said.
“He’ll have an impact on and off the field.”
Perri will be a direct replacement for key forward Sam Rexhepi, who has joined Northern league club Lalor.
Nolan said the Magpies had retained “90 per cent” of their list, however Bowen medallist Jesse Davies has returned to his former club Craigieburn.
He said the addition of former Calder Cannon Michael Tang, who has been playing in Tasmania, would help offset Davies’ departure.
“We are going to find a lot from within with some of the kids that can rotate through the midfield as well,” he said.
“Shaun Stewart can run through there who made the team of the year on a halfback flank. “Chris Barton as well rotating from half-forward.
“(Andrew) Saladino as well missed the last six games of the year. He’s an A-grade on-baller.”
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