Check out all the latest Riddell District league signings for 2025 here
The new season is already two weeks old and Riddell District clubs continue to bolster their lists. Check out all the news recruits here.
Riddell
Don't miss out on the headlines from Riddell. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The new Riddell District season is already two weeks old.
However, it hasn’t stopped clubs from bringing in fresh talent.
A number of big-names with big game experience have signed on for 2025.
Check out all the latest recruits from every club below.
WALLAN
VICTOR MICALLEF
One of the biggest names in the Essendon District for the past decade. Micallef has a distinguished resume that includes a EDFL Division 1 league best-and-fairest in 2017 and runner-up in 2021, club best-and-fairests at Hillside (twice), East Keilor and St Albans and seven Team of the Year guernseys. Brings class, experience and leadership to a Magpies team looking to go one better in 2025.
CAMERON CLOKE
Comes across from Eastern Division 2 club Templestowe, where he played six games in the reserves last season. Had been considering retirement after a string of concussions, most recently after being coward punched in a senior game against Heathmont in 2023.
HARLEY SHORT
Adds class and leadership to the Magpies line-up, shifting from EDFL Division 1 club Roxburgh Park. Short was a three-time best-and-fairest winner and premiership captain at the Magpies. Won the grand final medal in 2018 and is a three-time Team of the Year selection. NB: Roxy have denied Short’s clearance and could still hold him to his contract.
JEREMY HAYES
Hayes, a big-bodied midfielder, played 12 senior games at Hillside last season in EDFL Division 1. Played his 250th game for the Sharks last season, spending 10 years at the club.
ALEX CRAWFORD
Returns to Bloomdale Oval after one season at Avenel in the Kyabram District league. Was a part of Wallan’s RDFNL Under-19’s premiership in 2022. After making his senior debut for the Magpies last year, played 14 senior games for Avenel last season.
JESSE NELSON
Another returning player, Nelson spent two seasons at Avenel. Played 16 senior matches last season, including the elimination final loss, after 14 appearances in 2023. Played 14 games in the reserves for Wallan in 2022.
LUKE CHAPMAN
A member of Kilmore's Northern Division 3 reserve grade premiership last season but also played three senior matches. Played 14 senior matches and was in the best five times for Longwood in the Kyabram District league in 2023.
MELTON CENTRALS
FABIAN BRANCATISANO
A huge get for the Blues. The experienced midfielder played VFL at Coburg, Port Melbourne, Werribee and Essendon. Most recently, he’s played the last two seasons at Western Division 2 club Sunshine, helping the club to a drought-breaking premiership last season. A Western and Loddon Valley representative.
HISHAM KERBATIEH
Brings an impressive resume to Arnolds Creek Reserve. The star forward played VFL for Carlton, Williamstown and Coburg and arrives from Western Division 2 club Sunshine. Booted 41 goals in 11 matches last season to help the club win a drought-breaking premiership. A long-time Essendon District representative too.
ANTHONY PIVA
Represented Vic Metro at under-16s level back in 2010 and is a Western Jets graduate. Last played in 2023 with St Albans.
AJDIN ELKASOVIC
Took a season off after playing for St Albans in 2023, making eight senior appearances and kicking 10 goals. A former Western Jets graduate.
TAYGEN DENNISON
Brings premiership experience to Arnolds Creek after playing in Sunshine’s Western Division 2 flag last year. Played 17 matches for the Kangaroos and kicked eight goals. Was on Deer Park’s list in 2023, playing three senior matches and 14 more in the reserves, earning a mention in the best 11 times.
KAHLAN WILLIAMS
Another Sunshine premiership player making the move to Centrals. Williams played 13 senior games for the Kangaroos and kicked 11 goals, earning a mention in the best six times in Western Division 2. Had an outstanding season with Darwin Football Association club Somerset in Tasmania in 2023. Williams played 18 matches, kicked 16 goals and was in the best 10 times, representing the association and winning the league best-and-fairest.
BRODY THRUM
Jumps across from local rival Lancefield, where he made 12 senior appearances last year. Previously played with Kyneton, in its final season in the Bendigo league. Brings elite endurance.
KARL & JOSH ULLRICH
The brothers will team up for the Blues in 2025 after playing together at Western Division 1 club Yarraville-Seddon last year. Karl was a part of the Eagles reserve grade premiership, upsetting Werribee District and brings speed and endurance. Josh played 10 games in the reserves, including the semi-final loss to Districts but missed out on the flag
RABIH RACHRACHE
Comes across from Western league club Sunshine, where he was playing Thirds football last season but did play in the Kangaroos' grand final side that was pipped by a point in the decider. Prior to that played 15 senior matches at North Sunshine in 2023.
KYNETON
DANNY GRMUSA
Brings big game experience to the Showgrounds. Grmusa was a part of Werribee Districts’ Western league Division 1 grand final sides in 2024 and 2022 and played in the club’s reserve grade flag in 2023. Came through the Western Jets pathway, last playing seven games in 2021. Is sure to provide a significant boost to the Tigers’ midfield.
ISAAC BARASSI
Comes across from Eastern Division 1 club Doncaster, where he won the best-and-fairest in 2023 when the club was still in Premier Division. An inside midfielder that provides leadership, playing all 18 senior matches for the Sharks last year and earning a mention in the best seven times. Has family ties at the Showgrounds with father Adam having played for Kyneton.
HAYDN SMITH
The Kyneton junior made his senior debut for the Tigers way back in 2010, while also representing the Bendigo Pioneers. He’s since spent the past 14 years in Tasmania, racking up 250 matches for Tasmania State League club Lauderdale, multiple Team of the Year appearances, a reserves league best-and-fairest and a couple of club reserves best-and-fairests.
LOUIS THOMPSON
The son of a gun is another Tigers junior and Bendigo Pioneers representative. Thompson played seven Coates League matches in 2021 and made his senior debut for Kyneton. Returns to the club after spending 2023 with Eastern power Doncaster, where he played 15 senior matches, before missing the 2024 campaign. The son of Kyneton great and North Melbourne and Hawthorn forward Nathan.
CHARLIE THOMPSON
A Kyneton junior before boarding at Caulfield Grammar and playing in the prestigious APS competition. Signed with Uni Blues last year but didn’t take the field due to injury. The 19-year-old returns to the Tigers ready to play a key role as a rebounding defender.
KRISTIAN ADORNO
The 22-year-old midfielder arrives from Western club Point Cook. A one-club player since age seven, making his senior debut for the Bulldogs as a 17-year-old and going to be named vice-captain. Was limited to six senior appearances last season but was in the best in four of them.
RYAN JERERA
Also comes across from Western club Point Cook. The 23-year-old has split time at the Bulldogs and Redan in recent years. Played just the three reserve grade last season. Awarded WFNL Youth Coach of the Year in 2023.
JACK HAMILTON
Returns to footy after last playing in 2022, his last game being Mt Pleasant's Heathcote District grand final loss. Played EDFL Premier Division with Pascoe Vale prior to that. A handy pick-up.
JACOB GRINTER
Spent the 2024 season playing reserves at Gisborne but didn't play in the club's grand final loss. Did, however, play in the Bulldogs' under-18s premiership triumph in 2023.
FRANKIE ELLIS
Didn't play in 2024 but steps straight into senior football with the Tigers. Last played in 2023 with Gisborne in the Bendigo league under-18s, winning a premiership and earning 10 mentions in the best in 21 appearances.
LANCEFIELD
RHYS CARMAN
Comes to the club via Kyabram District club Avenel, where he played eight matches in the reserves. Was a regular senior player at Broadford in the Outer East league in 2023, making 14 Division 2 appearances and in 2022 played 18 games in the reserves for Goulburn Valley power Seymour.
TOM FILIPOVIC
The 23-year-old midfielder arrives from Essendon District Division 1 club Tullamarine. He managed four senior games and nine in the reserves in 2024, named in the best five times in the reserves. Made 14 senior appearances in 2023. Has also pulled the boots on for Essendon Doutta Stars at Premier Division level.
JEROME RISTEVSKI
Joins his brother, Leroy, at the Tigers. Was a Lancefield junior but joined Macedon last year for the under-17s season, playing in the Under-17 A preliminary final. Returns looking to make an impact at senior level and continue the family tradition.
ZACH O’HALLORAN
The 195cm ruck-forward is a big addition to the Tigers’ line-up, providing height and physicality. Made 16 senior appearances for Werribee Centrals in the Geelong District league last season, helping the club play finals. Was previously a long-time servant of VAFA club St Bernard’s, playing at the highest level in Premier Division, winning a Division 1 premiership and honoured with selection in the Snowdogs’ Team of the Decade.
BEN & OLLIE BRYANT
The Bryant brothers return in 2025. One to score goals and one to keep them out. Ben is back after a year playing cricket in the UK. The key forward was the club’s leading goalkicker in 2023. Meanwhile, Ollie, is a key defender who will significantly boost the Tigers’ backline.
NOAH SMALLACOMBE
An Essendon District league best-and-fairest at under-19s and reserve grade level with Strathmore. Has since spent the past three years at Essendon Doutta Stars, playing 40 matches. Smallacombe made 10 senior appearances in EDFL Premier Division 1 last season. Brings significant experience and class to the Tigers, who hope he is “a silky left-footer with amazing skills that has the ability to be a top shelf player in an increasingly hot RDFNL”.
TOM JACKSON
Came through the ranks at Aberfeldie but made his senior debut at Essendon District Premier Division rival Essendon Douttas Stars in 2021. Has spent the past two years at Division 1 club Tullamarine, playing 16 matches and kicking 23 goals last season, earning a mention in the best seven times. Brings significant experience and class to the Tigers’ line-up.
HAMISH THOMAS
An under-18s Bendigo league premiership player at Gisborne before stepping away from the game. Now looking to make his mark in senior footy at his hometown club.
ASHLEY-JAMES GRAHAM
The Geelong native moved north as a teenager to play for NEAFL club Tuggernong. After time out of the game, he returned to the field with Ballarat league club Bacchus Marsh in 2023, playing two senior games and 14 more at reserve grade level, earning a mention in the best 11 times. Now looking to bring his experience to the Tigers’ line-up.
WILL O’CONNELL
The 20-year-old joins his brother Ned in black and yellow. Played all 21 games for St Bernard’s VAFA Division 1 under-19s team last season, helping the club reach the grand final. Has also played EDFL under-18s at Essendon Doutta Stars and Strathmore. The Tigers hope he can be “a crafty left-footer who loves his time and space on the wing and can also do some damage in the forward line”.
JACK THOMSON
The 21-year-old key defender jumps across from EDFL club Tullamarine. At 193cm, can also pinch-hit in the ruck. After eight senior matches in 2023, played 15 in the reserves for the Demons last season.
JOBE DOWLING
The young winger played 15 senior matches for Trentham in the Central Highlands league in 2022 before crossing to Woodend-Hesket for the past two seasons. Was restricted to just two senior appearances in each of those seasons. Will look to re-establish himself as a senior player with the Tigers, a club where his dad once laced up a boots.
MAX TAYLOR
Played six games for Calder Cannons and made his senior debut for EDFL power Strathmore in 2022. Won a Premier Division reserves premiership in 2023 and was part of the Mores’ reserves grand final side last season. The midfielder looms as a significant boost to Lancefield’s on-field hopes.
WILL WRIGHT
Comes cross from Ballarat league club Sunbury, where he played five senior games last season. Was a member of the Lions' reserves grand final loss. Played in Sunbury's reserves premiership win the year before though.
GISBORNE GIANTS
BRAD MANGAN
A rock the Giants hope to build their foundations on. The former North Melbourne draftee and 2015 Williamstown VFL premiership player has been one of country footy’s best for near a decade. After his time at the Kangaroos he went on to play state league footy at West Adelaide and Williamstown before returning to his junior club, Goulburn Valley power Kyabram. He’s won two flags with the Bombers and represented the GVFL. The Gisborne local will now take on the challenge of captaining the fledgling Giants into their debut senior season.
JOSH LEE
Fresh out of under-19s, started the 2024 season in the reserves at Sunbury but broke into the senior team late in the year. Played a part in the Lions’ run to Ballarat league finals and its elimination final loss before stepping back to reserves and was one of the team’s best in its grand final defeat. Now looking to bring his experience and class to the Giants.
SAM VAN TAARLING
Played junior footy at East Sunbury and Sunbury before stepping into senior football with Sunbury Kangaroos. The key position tall made 29 senior appearances for the Kangaroos, having a breakout campaign last season with 15 appearances in EDFL Division 2. Brings much-needed height and endurance to the Giants’ maiden team.
WILLIAM GRAY
A Macedon junior, who made his senior debut in 2019 and played eight matches in 2023. However, the defender was limited to just five reserve grade appearances last season. Will look to establish himself as a senior player at the Giants and bring his experience from the impressive Macedon development system.
COOPER MOORE
Returned to footy after a couple of seasons away in 2024, playing seven games in the reserves for Ballarat league club Sunbury. Joins the fledgling Giants looking to make his mark at senior level, bringing pace and forward craft.
SPENCER JONES
Came through the ranks at neighbouring Gisborne Rookies and Gisborne before testing himself in the Essendon District with Premier Division heavyweight Aberfeldie. Made his senior debut for Abers in 2023 but was limited to just eight reserve grade appearances last season. Nevertheless, the forward brings top-level experience to the club’s senior debut.
MATTHEW WALLACE
The key defender returns to the Riddell District league having last played in the competition with Sunbury Kangaroos in 2018. Spent the 2024 season with VAFA Division 3 outfit North Brunswick, playing 10 senior matches and being named in the best in seven of them. Will bring much-needed experience and composure to a backline that could see a bit of work in 2025.
BLAKE TIRCHETT
The Sunbury Kangaroos product represented the Riddell District at under-15 and under-17 level before the club left to join the Essendon District league. Made his senior debut in 2021 and has only missed a handful of games since. The key position player looms as an important addition with his ability to play either end of the ground.
DYLAN CUNNINGHAM
Has been playing senior football at Sunbury Kangaroos since 2021, making 16 appearances in EDFL Division 2 last season. Was in the best nine times in 25 games the past two years. The Giants are looking for him to bring that experience to the club’s debut season.
JIAYA MITCHELL
A Riddell District league best-and-fairest winner and premiership player at under-18 level at Rupertswood and won a Ballarat league reserve grade flag with Sunbury Lions. Made his senior debut for the Lions in 2022 but has mainly played reserves. Made just one appearance for Sunbury last season but will look to become a regular senior player for the Giants.
ZAC PLOOG
Arrives from Sunbury Kangaroos, where he played 10 senior EDFL Division 2 games in 2023 and four more in 2024. Played 13 matches and kicked 25 goals and was named in the Kangaroos’ best in their reserve grade grand final loss last season. The forward brings much-needed senior experience to a club looking to make the step up to senior football for the first time.
BLAKE LAWSON
Finally cemented himself as a senior player at Sunbury Kangaroos last season, playing 13 EDFL Division 2 matches. The defender is now looking to become a key part of the Giants in their debut season.
JAMES O’CONNOR
A Riddell District representative at under-18 level when Sunbury Kangaroos were still a part of the league. Returns with the Giants, looking to help the club make a strong transition to senior football. After nine and six senior games in 2022-23, O’Connor established himself in 2024, playing all 16 matches.
OSCAR SCHNOOR
Returns to the Giants as the club makes the step up to seniors. Spent one season at Romsey chasing senior football and did just that, playing 16 games, including the Redbacks’ elimination final loss. Played 16 under-19s games and kicked 26 goals in his last season with Giants in 2023 and was part of Gisborne Bulldogs’ Bendigo league under-18s premiership in 2022.
MATT QUIGLEY
A super get for the fledgling Giants. The experienced midfielder comes across from North Central club Nullawil, where he’s been for the past four years, winning a league and club best-and-fairest and premiership. Played 12 senior games last season. Previously played senior footy at Sunbury Kangaroos and St Albans and been a WFNL representative. Also spent time at Werribee and Southport.
CAMERON FREAKE
Joins the Giants maiden campaign after spending 2024 with Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat league. Played 11 senior matches for the Cobras. Also played for EDFL power Keilor in the Premier Division under-18s in 2023, earning a mention in the best eight times in 14 games.
BEN BRENNAN
Comes across after playing eight senior games for Nullawil in the North Central league last season, where he played alongside Matt Quigley. Was named best-on-ground for his club in its 2023 NCFL grand final loss.
BRODIE ANDREWS
Comes across from Gisborne, where he played 17 matches in the Bulldogs' reserves, including the club's grand final loss. Looking to establish himself in senior football with the Giants, where he previously played under-19s in 2023.
SETH WARREN
Hasn't played since 2019 but has clearly impressed since joining the Giants. Last played for Sunbury Kangaroos' under-19s in the EDFL.
MACEDON
CHARLIE ROSSETTI
The 203cm ruck-forward is sure to provide plenty of headaches for opposition coaches and defenders. Rossetti spent 2024 with Eastern league Division 1 finalist Montrose, under Gary Ayres, playing all 19 games and earning a mention in the best eight times. He was with previously with VAFA club Monash Blues, where he played in a Premier C grand final in 2015. Spent a year in Queensland through COVID, where he played for QAFL club Morningside.
TIM WALSH
No stranger to the Riddell District, Walsh burst onto the scene with Riddell – winning the 2016 Rising Gun – but, after having a year out of the game, returns to the field with the Cats. Was a part of Riddell’s 2022 premiership, kicking two goals and was a star at Gisborne in the Bendigo league. A big acquisition for the Cats to take some pressure off skipper Jason Cooke.
BLAKE WATSON
Having come through the ranks at Ballarat league club, Sunbury, Watson will be looking to establish himself as a senior player with the Cats. Played three senior games for the Lions last season, including the elimination final, and 10 matches at reserves level. The club is looking for him to add “speed and agility together with great skills”.
CHARLIE OZANNE
Makes the step up to senior football after representing Gisborne in the under-18s last season. Was a member of the Bulldogs' under-18s grand final side.
WILL STEWART
Comes across from Bendigo league power Golden Square. Made his senior debut in a unique fashion, playing against Golden Square for struggling Maryborough. Otherwise, played out the season in the Bulldogs reserves, playing 14 matches.
WOODEND-HESKET
SAM O’LOUGHLIN
One of the signings of the off-season across all metro local footy. The Hawks have secured Strathmore EDFL Premier Division premiership captain Sam O’Loughlin. Played for the Mores’ reserves last season, helping the club reach the grand final. Spent one season at Carngham Linton in the Central Highlands league.
MATT DOODY
Comes across from Essendon District power Strathmore. Played eight senior matches in 2022-23 but has otherwise been a dominant force at reserve grade level. Featured in all 20 reserves matches last season as the Mores reached the Premier Division grand final. While the club lost last year, Doody was part of the reserves premiership in 2023.
BRENDAN BUTLER
A significant acquisition for the Hawks. Butler has played more than 100 senior games for EDFL power Strathmore and was part of the club’s 2022 Premier Division flag. Played 18 senior matches last season, including the qualifying final loss to Pascoe Vale.
JAMES SCHMIDT
Has spent the past seven seasons at Brunswick in VAFA Division 2. Captained the club in 2022 and played 15 matches last season, including the grand final defeat to Elsternwick.
LUKE BUTCHER
Further strengthens Woodend’s ties with Strathmore. Butcher hasn’t played senior footy since 2022 when he made eight appearances for the Mores but has been mainstay in the club’s reserves. Was part of the 2023 Premier Division reserves premiership and last year’s grand final loss to Keilor. A lock-down defender that can play small or tall.
HUD ELMAWEY
Represented the Riddell District at Under-19 level last season and made his senior debut for Macedon. Played the majority of the season in the under-19s but missed out on the grand final after being one of the club's best in the preliminary final.
JACK BINNS
Returns to the game after a couple of years off. Last played in 2023 with EDFL power Aberfeldie.
DIGGERS REST
MITCH SHIELDS
Returns to the Burras after a couple of seasons at EDFL club East Sunbury. Played 13 games for the Thunder last season and was in the best in eight of them. Finished third in the club best-and-fairest. Last played for Diggers in 2022, making three senior appearances.
DANIEL PAULETE
Also returns to Diggers after two seasons at East Sunbury. Made his senior debut for the Burras in 2021 before establishing himself at the Thunder, playing 12 senior games in 2023 and 13 last season.
LOCHIE JONES
The East Sunbury vice-captain shifts to Bloomdale Oval for 2025. Played 15 senior games and was in the best six times last season.
MARK & JAMIE ANDERSON
Two big gets for new coach Shaun Campbell and the Burras. The Anderson brothers arrive from Ovens and Murray power Wangaratta. Mark played eight senior games for the Magpies last season, including the club’s semi-final, before being part of their reserve grade premiership victory. Jamie was also part of the reserves flag win, having played nine games in the seniors. Both represented the O & M against Goulburn Valley in 2022.
JESSE VARSAMAKIS
A premiership winner with Yarraville-Seddon last season in Western Division 1 reserves. Played seven senior games for the Eagles last season, kicking 13 goals. Booted three in an impressive grand final display. The move ends an almost 20-year association with Yarraville-Seddon from under-12s to seniors, helping the club win the 2019 Division 2 flag.
BRANDON LESTER
Returned from injury to be a key member of Yarraville-Seddon’s senior team in 2024, playing 17 games and earning a mention in the best six times. Also a member of the Eagles’ 2019 Western Division 2 premiership, named third best in the triumph.
NATHAN AIDONIS
Jumps across from Western club Caroline Springs where he was a key player in the club’s run to the Division 1 preliminary final last season. Played 17 senior games, including all three of the club’s finals.
JAMES WATERS
Returns to footy after a season off. Had an outstanding season for North Footscray in 2023, finishing runner-up in the club best-and-fairest after 14 games and seven times in the best. Kicked 11 goals in 18 Division 2 matches in 2022 to help North finish third and reach a preliminary final.
RIDDELL
BEN BORG
Teams up with his old Rupertswood coach Arron Bray at the Bombers having returned from a year overseas. Played 15 senior EDFL Division 1 matches for the Sharks in 2023, earning a mention in the best an impressive 12 times.
LACHY HAY
A terrific addition, poaching one of the top young guns in the league from rival Macedon. Barely missed a game for the Cats last season, playing 17 senior matches, including all three finals in the march to a surprise preliminary final. Also found time for four under-19s matches, played twice for Salesian College in the Herald Sun Shield and represented the RDFNL at under-19s level against Southern.
ROMSEY
JOE STAPLETON
A super signing for the Redbacks with the key position swingman bringing high-level experience. Arrives at Romsey Park from Ovens and Murray club Lavington, where he played six reserve grade games last season. Has previously played for the Sydney Swans reserves in the NEAFL and Queanbeyan Tigers and spent a year at EDFL Premier Division club Maribyrnong Park.
CALLUM LEVER
A cousin of Melbourne's Jake, he moves to Romsey - where the Lever name is famous - from Ballarat league club Sunbury. Made three senior appearances for the Lions last season and 12 in the reserves, playing in the club's grand final loss. Played in the 2023 reserves flag though.
MELTON SOUTH
ALEC GOODSON
Rejoins old Sunbury coach Travis Hodgson at South, boosting the Panthers attack. Kicked 143 goals in 45 reserve grade matches the past three seasons to help Sunbury reach back-to-back-to-back grand finals, winning the flag in 2022 and 2023. Kicked 69 majors in 18 reserves appearances last season but the Lions missed out on the three-peat.
MARLION PICKETT
One of the biggest recruiting stories in all of local footy and it’s the Panthers with the unbelievable coup. Pickett is fresh off a 91 AFL-game career with Richmond, winning two AFL premierships, a VFL flag and a Norm Goss Medal. A friendship with South coach Travis Hodgson was central to the signing. All going well, Pickett will be a key player for the club as it makes its return to the Riddell District.
BRYCE KERNEY
A good pick-up for South, the 19-year-old shifting across from Ballarat league club Bacchus Marsh. Made his senior debut for the Cobras in 2023, playing seven matches, but made just one senior appearances last year. Instead played 18 games at under-19s level, kicking 21 goals and earning a mention in the best eight times.
WILL & JACOB THORNTON-GIELEN
The Panthers juniors are back for the club’s Riddell District return. Last played for South in 2022. In the meantime, Will played all 32 matches in his two seasons at Melton Centrals, kicking 13 goals and earning a mention in the best 15 times. Meanwhile, Jacob made 25 appearances for Centrals in that time, kicked six goals and was also in the best 15 times.
SAM DARLEY
Joins the Panthers full-time after a one-off match last season. That game – against Redan – saw the former AFL-listed gun amass a Ballarat league season-high 53 disposals. Represented Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants and captained Richmond VFL to a grand final. Comes down the Hume Highway from Wodonga Raiders, where he made 10 Ovens and Murray appearances last season. Will be a playing assistant coach.
ANTHONY HIBBERT
Comes across from neighbours and former Ballarat league rival Melton. Played one senior game last season but spent the majority of the time in the reserves. Will add critical depth to the Panthers' squad.
JAKE CHARGE
Makes the cross-town jump from Centrals to South. Made 13 senior appearances for Centrals last season and nine and 15 in the two years prior. Previously played for the Panthers in 2021.
DANIEL SCHWARZENBERG
Spent the majority of last season in Diggers Rest's under-19s, playing 15 matches and earning a mention in the best eight times. Made his senior debut for the Burras in Round 9. Links up with his uncle, South coach Travis Hodgson.
JOEL HODGSON
Teams up with his dad and now coach Travis. Played all 18 games for Sunbury's under-18s in the Ballarat league last season and the year before. Made his senior debut in 2023, against Melton South.
KEVIN KLIX
The tattooed midfielder comes across from Western club Laverton, where he played four senior matches last season. Previously played at suburban powerhouses Melton and Deer Park, winning four Western league flags with the Lions.
CRUZE HENSHAW
Arrives at Melton Reserve all the way from London, after playing two seasons of AFL London with West London and North London. Last played in Australia for VAFA club Prahran.
Romsey facing ‘do-or-die’ final month
Sitting seventh on percentage, Romsey knows it can’t afford to slip up in the final month. A gutsy win over Melton South was the perfect start.
Diggers Rest flag favourites after top-of-the-table win
If it wasn’t already, Diggers Rest is officially the Riddell District premiership favourite after a strong win over Riddell in a top-of-the-table epic.