Big recruits, injury returnees and young guns taking their games to a new level in 2024

They’re the big recruits delivering, key players making strong returns from injury and young guns taking their game to a new level. The RDFNL surprise packets so far.

Riddell District surprise packets so far.

We’ve hit Round 6, a third of the way through the Riddell District season.

In the opening rounds we’ve seen a number of big surprises.

We’re looking at the big recruits who are delivering, key players making strong returns from injury and young guns taking their game to a new level.

They might not be their club’s biggest name but these are the players who could be the difference between glory and disappointment in a tight premiership and finals race.

Reuben Rode in action for the RDFNL against Southern. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Josh Grabham (Riddell)

A knee injury limited the Bombers skipper to just six games last season but he’s returned in terrific form, leading his club to an undefeated start at Round 6. Been in the best four times in six games and looks a contender for Team of the Year honours in the ruck.

Brodie Meyers (Diggers Rest)

The Tatura recruit has made an instant impact since debuting in the Anzac Day win over Macedon. The small forward has eight goals in his two matches – including a bag of five against Woodend-Hesket – and gives the Burras another avenue to goal and small forward presence under Mitch Day.

Ryley Ferguson (Woodend-Hesket)

Has grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Established himself as a senior player last season but has taken his game to a new level this year after the departure of key players. Ferguson has been named in the Hawks’ best in all but one match this season and has four goals.

Lachie Hay (Macedon)

Burst onto the scene with 12 senior games last season and is now a key contributor for the Cats at senior level. Received high praise from coach Al Meldrum after the Round 6 win over Kyneton for his vision and creativity. Was also amongst the best for the RDFNL in the under-19 inter-league match against Southern.

Alex Mahony (Kyneton)

Came across from Maryborough Rovers in the off-season and has been a strong inclusion for the Tigers’ inaugural RDFNL campaign. Hasn’t missed a game and was among the best in the win over Lancefield.

Jonny Ferri (Melton Centrals)

Has steadily improved in the past couple of years going from four senior games in 2022 to 12 in 2023. Now a regular contributor for Centrals, evidenced by his three mentions in the best in five matches.

Reuben Rode (Wallan)

A proven talent but Wallan but still be rapt with his output so far. Rode has been dominant in midfield with BOG performances in the win over reigning premier Diggers Rest and grand finalist Woodend-Hesket. Was also best-on for the RDFNL in the inter-league match against Southern.

Dean Galea and Kame Ogilvie celebrate a goal for Riddell. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Kamen Ogilvie (Riddell)

One of the recruits of the season so far. Ogilvie arrived at Riddells Creek Reserve after a couple of seasons in Queensland with AFL Cairns club Centrals Trinity Beach. Has kicked a goal in all but one game in the first six rounds and earnt a mention in the best three times.

Rhys Barber (Lancefield)

Split his time between seniors and reserves last season but has stepped up as a key senior player so far in 2024. Has been named in Lancefield’s best in all but one game, including a best-on performances against Diggers Rest and Romsey.

Ethan Beer (Romsey)

The Romsey junior returned to the Redbacks this season after three years with St Kevin’s, although he never played a senior game. Has made a big impact this season with four goals in five games and three mentions in the best. One of several impressive youngsters at the club.

Jacob Langborne (Wallan)

No surprise he’s one of Wallan’s best players after playing VFL in 2022. However, his impact remains impressive after injury curtailed his 2023 campaign. Langborne has 12 majors in six outings, including four goals against Riddell, to sit third on the league goalkicking charts.

Samuel Apineru marks for Melton Centrals. Picture: George Sal

Samuel Apineru (Melton Centrals)

Was sorely missed last season when he played only eight games. The key forward has made a strong return in 2024 with eight goals in four matches, including three against Romsey and Riddell. Finds a way to make a strong contribution even in losses.

Joachim Liaw (Woodend-Hesket)

The Hawks might have found themselves a gem in Liaw. The forward was plugging away in the reserves at Strathmore last season and has come up to Woodend-Hesket and made a strong first impression. Has five goals in six outings this season.

Ash Millane (Romsey)

Jumped across from East Sunbury this season and has fitted in perfectly. Gives the Redbacks another avenue to goal and has shown his talent around goals by hitting the scoreboard in all but one match. Millane has six majors in five appearances.

Mitchell Brockwell in action for Diggers Rest. Picture: Hamish Blair

Mitch Brockwell (Diggers Rest)

Is clearly using missing out on last season’s premiership as motivation this season with a string of impressive performances. Getting a chance up the ground at times and hasn’t disappointed. Been in the best against Wallan, Woodend-Hesket at Melton Centrals.

Edward Ferguson (Macedon)

The young gun played five senior games last season and has already matched that figure in the opening third of the season. Still eligible for under-19s but a key player for the Cats so far this season with three mentions in the best. Also represented the RDFNL in the under-19s against Southern.

James Gaff (Kyneton)

Has already matched last year’s output of three goals and two mentions in the best from 16 matches in the opening five games of 2024. Has stepped up with more responsibility this season.