Check out all the Riddell District off-season recruits here
RECRUIT TRACKER: Ex-AFL talent, league best-and-fairest winners, VFL stars and exciting young guns. Riddell District clubs have made some strong recruiting gains for 2025.
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The local footy silly season is in full swing and Riddell District clubs have been busy welcoming new talent.
From league best-and-fairest winners and ex-AFL and VFL talents to premiership heroes and exciting young guns, the competition will only be stronger in 2025.
With two new clubs – Gisborne Giants and Melton South – joining the fray next season, there’s plenty of fresh faces.
Check out all the confirmed arrivals here.
VICTOR MICALLEF (Wallan)
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 (Wallan)
Comes across from Eastern Division 2 club Templestowe, where he played six games in the reserves this 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 (Wallan)
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 twice in recent days and could still hold him to his contract.
JEREMY HAYES (Wallan)
Hayes, a big-bodied midfielder, played 12 senior games at Hillside this season in EDFL Division 1. Played his 250th game for the Sharks this season, spending 10 years at the club.
ALEX CRAWFORD (Wallan)
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 this season.
JESSE NELSON (Wallan)
Another returning player, Nelson spent two seasons at Avenel. Played 16 senior matches this season, including the elimination final loss, after 14 appearances in 2023. Played 14 games in the reserves for Wallan in 2022.
FABIAN BRANCATISANO (Melton Centrals)
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 this season. A Western and Loddon Valley representative.
HISHAM KERBATIEH (Melton Centrals)
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 this season to help the club win a drought-breaking premiership. A long-time Essendon District representative too.
ANTHONY PIVA (Melton Centrals)
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 (Melton Centrals)
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 (Melton Centrals)
Brings premiership experience to Arnolds Creek after playing in Sunshine's Western Division 2 flag this 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 (Melton Centrals)
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 (Melton Centrals)
Jumps across from local rival Lancefield, where he made 12 senior appearances this year. Previously played with Kyneton, in its final season in the Bendigo league. Brings elite endurance.
KARL & JOSH ULLRICH (Melton Centrals)
The brothers will team up for the Blues in 2025 after playing together at Western Division 1 club Yarraville-Seddon this 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
HAYDN SMITH (Kyneton)
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 (Kyneton)
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 (Kyneton)
A Kyneton junior before boarding at Caulfield Grammar and playing in the prestigious APS competition. Signed with Uni Blues this 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 (Kyneton)
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 apperances this season but was in the best in four of them.
RYAN JERERA (Kyneton)
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 this season. Awarded WFNL Youth Coach of the Year in 2023.
NOAH SMALLACOMBE (Lancefield)
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 this 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 (Lancefield)
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 this season, earning a mention in the best seven times. Brings significant experience and class to the Tigers’ line-up.
HAMISH THOMAS (Lancefield)
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 (Lancefield)
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 (Lancefield)
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 this 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 (Lancefield)
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 this season.
JOBE DOWLING (Lancefield)
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 apperances 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 (Lancefield)
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 this season. The midfielder looms as a significant boost to Lancefield's on-field hopes.
BRAD MANGAN (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 this season with 15 appearances in EDFL Division 2. Brings much-needed height and endurance to the Giants’ maiden team.
WILLIAM GRAY (Gisborne Giants)
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 this 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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 this season. Nevertheless, the forward brings top-level experience to the club’s senior debut.
MATTHEW WALLACE (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
Has been playing senior football at Sunbury Kangaroos since 2021, making 16 appearances in EDFL Division 2 this 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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 this season but will look to become a regular senior player for the Giants.
ZAC PLOOG (Gisborne Giants)
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 this 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 (Gisborne Giants)
Finally cemented himself as a senior player at Sunbury Kangaroos this 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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 (Gisborne Giants)
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 this season. Previously played senior footy at Sunbury Kangaroos and St Albans and been a WFNL representative. Also spent time at Werribee and Southport.
TIM WALSH (Macedon)
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 (Macedon)
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 this 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”.
MATT DOODY (Woodend-Hesket)
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 this season as the Mores reached the Premier Divsision grand final. While the club lost this year, Doody was part of the reserves premiership in 2023.
BRENDAN BUTLER (Woodend-Hesket)
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 this season, including the qualifying final loss to Pascoe Vale.
JAMES SCHMIDT (Woodend-Hesket)
Has spent the past seven seasons at Brunswick in VAFA Division 2. Captained the club in 2022 and played 15 matches this season, including the grand final defeat to Elsternwick.
LUKE BUTCHER (Woodend-Hesket)
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 this year's grand final loss to Keilor. A lock-down defender that can play small or tall.
MITCH SHIELDS (Diggers Rest)
Returns to the Burras after a couple of seasons at EDFL club East Sunbury. Played 13 games for the Thunder this 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 (Diggers Rest)
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 this season.
LOCHIE JONES (Diggers Rest)
The East Sunbury vice-captain shifts to Bloomdale Oval for 2025. Played 15 senior games and was in the best six times this season.
MARK & JAMIE ANDERSON (Diggers Rest)
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 this 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 (Diggers Rest)
A premiership winner with Yarraville-Seddon this season in Western Division 1 reserves. Played seven senior games for the Eagles this 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 (Diggers Rest)
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 (Diggers Rest)
Jumps across from Western club Caroline Springs where he was a key player in the club's run to the Division 1 preliminary final this season. Played 17 senior games, including all three of the club's finals.
JAMES WATERS (Diggers Rest)
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.
BEN BORG (Riddell)
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 (Riddell)
A terrific addition, poaching one of the top young guns in the league from rival Macedon. Barely missed a game for the Cats this 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.
JOE STAPLETON (Romsey)
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 this 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.
MARLION PICKETT (Melton South)
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 Distrcit.
BRYCE KERNEY (Melton South)
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 this 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 (Melton South)
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 (Melton South)
Joins the Panthers full-time after a one-off match this 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 this season. Will be a playing assistant coach.
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