Check out every Riddell District club’s off-season signing

Riddell District clubs are busy bringing in fresh talent, from 100-goal kickers to premiership winners and even a US punter. Check out all the confirmed signings.

All the Riddell District off-season signings.

The silly season is in full swing and Riddell District clubs are loading up on fresh talent.

There’s a wide variety of talent, including 100-goal kickers, best-and-fairest winners and premiership stars.

There’s also arrivals from far and wide as US college and country NSW.

Check out all the confirmed signings here.

DIGGERS REST

Jason Williams (development coach)

A 2016 premiership player with the Burras before embarking on his coaching journey. He was appointed development coach at Hawthorn last month and will spent time at Diggers when available. He was an assistant coach at Northern Bullants and Calder Cannons and previously worked at Port Adelaide, where he served as a development coach and oversaw the club’s Next Generation Academy.

GISBORNE GIANTS

Mitch Bongiovanni (Caroline Springs, Western)

A huge get for the Giants, adding an experienced leader to the playing group. Bongiovanni was a key player in Caroline Springs run to the WFNL Division 1 grand final this season, playing 21 games, kicking nine goals and earning five bests. He played 19 games and was in the best 10 times as the club reached the preliminary final in 2024. Represented Western Jets as a young fella and spent several years at St Albans.

Noah Pierce (Strathmore, Essendon District)

The young midfielder arrives off the back of a Premier Division Under-18s premiership with the Mores. Also played in a Division 2 Under-18s grand final in 2024. Another young talent added to the Giants mix who will be looking to push for senior selection.

Archer & Jasper Schnoor (Gisborne Rookies)

The pair join their brother Oscar at the Giants. Archie arrives after a RDFNL Under-17s premiership-winning season, where he won the grand final best-on-ground medal with four goals, and claimed the league goalkicking title with 42 majors. Jasper makes it a hat-trick of Schnoors.

Jeremy Martin (Diggers Rest)

Can make an impact across all three zones. Arrives after his first under-19s year at Diggers Rest, playing 14 games and earning a mention in the best seven times. Also played one reserve grade game.

Connor Bills (Romsey)

Came through the ranks at Gisborne Rookies before making his senior debut at Bendigo league power Gisborne. Played 14 senior games for the Bulldogs in 2023 before moving to Romsey in 2024. Bills played 13 senior games for the Redbacks, forming a core of young talent, but stepped away from footy in 2025.

Nathan Thomas (Therry Penola, VAFA)

The reigning best-and-fairest winner at VAFA Division 1 club Therry Penola after playing 17 games and earning mention in the best 13 times. The midfielder can also make an impact off half-back or up forward. Was previously a key player at Sunbury Kangaroos. Was in the club’s best 26 times in 52 games between 2022 and 2024.

Brad Slater (Cootamundra, AFL Canberra)

The big man has spent the last two seasons in country NSW, playing for AFL Canberra Division 1 club Cootamundra. Returns to Melbourne and the RDFNL having previously played for the likes of Rupertswood, Sunbury Kangaroos and St Albans.

Sam Simpson

The youngster returns to the field after a horror injury that wiped out his entire 2025. Last played in 2024, making 15 appearances for the Giants’ under-19s before his season came to an abrupt end. After supporting the club through its debut senior season, Simpson will be looking to join in on the field in 2026.

KYNETON

Chan Hargraves (Port Melbourne Colts, Southern)

Could be one of the Recruits of the Year if he can continue his strong form. Split his time between SFNL Division 1 and VFL with Footscray last season. Hargraves played 11 VFL games and kicked 15 goals but missed out on the Bulldogs’ flag. He added another seven games and 11 goals for Colts. Kicked 20 majors in four games for Colts in 2024 after a breakout 2023 that saw him boot 64 goals in 20 games and earn Team of the Year honours.

Noah Scott (Pascoe Vale, Essendon District)

A boom signing for the Tigers with Scott joining his old Calder Cannons mate Harry Ryan at the Showgrounds. Scott played seven VFL games for Essendon this year, winning the club’s Rising Star award, and will remain with the Bombers in 2026. Also mixed in nine senior EDFL Premier Division games at Pascoe Vale.

Reece Tompkins (Deer Park, Essendon District)

Comes from EDFL Premier Division club Deer Park, where he played nine senior games in 2025 and 13 in 2024. With his ability to shutdown and intercept mark, the experienced defender will be a big boost to the Tigers ambitions after playing Riddell District finals for the first time this year.

Harley Blake (Werribee Districts, Western)

Looking to step up to senior football after claiming the reserve grade best-and-fairest at WFNL Division 1 power Werribee Districts this season. Was also part of the club’s reserves premiership. After six senior games in 2024, Blake made four senior appearances in 2025, while playing 14 in the Twos and earning a mention in the best nine times.

LANCEFIELD

Billy Stewart (Romsey)

The former Tigers junior returns after a couple of seasons at Romsey. Played under-17s in 2024 before stepping up to under-19s this year. Made 13 appearances, including two finals. The athletic young forward will no doubt look to make the jump to senior footy in 2026.

Andreas Boukouras (Romsey)

The young midfielder returns to the Tigers from Romsey. Played 10 under-19s games this season and was also part of the Salesian College team that made Herald Sun Shield finals.

John Anstee (Deniliquin Rams, Murray)

A veterinarian by trade, Anstee has moved to Lancefield to join the local clinic. A massive slice of luck for the Tigers. Anstee was an assistant coach at Deni, where he played 16 games in 2025. He represented the Murray league in the Community Championships in 2018 and 2019. Prior to that he played for Wagga Tigers in the Riverina league, also playing representative football and winning a premiership alongside current Diggers Rest captain-coach Shaun Campbell.

MACEDON

Lincoln Koliba (Lake Wendouree, Ballarat)

A young man with an already decorated resume. Koliba arrives from Lake Wendoree in the Ballarat league, where he played seven senior games and kicked seven goals this season. Graduated from the Greater Western Victoria Rebels program in 2024 after four Coates League matches. He’s also represented the Ballarat league at under-15 and under-16 level and played for school footy power St Patrick’s. The 19-year-old loves to win the contested ball in the midfield but can also produce a bit of magic – winning the BFNL Mark of the Year in 2025.

Jack Landt (Dimboola, Wimmera)

A massive coup for the Cats, securing the ball magnet who also coached Dimboola last season. Was in the club’s best 10 times in 15 matches, also kicking 17 goals. Also a star of the Northern Territory league with St Mary’s, playing a leading role in the club’s 2024 Premier Division flag and run to the grand final this year, kicking 36 goals and in the best eight times in 19 matches.

Harry Huntley (Kyneton)

Huge for the Cats, poaching neighbouring rival Kyneton’s skipper. Huntley will join the Cats as a playing assistant coach under Al Meldrum. Huntley will be a significant addition on the field for Macedon, capable of playing key position in attack or defence. Had an interrupted 2025 season but played a key role in the Tigers’ run to the preliminary final, named in the best in the loss to Macedon.

Leigh Brennan (Sunbury, Ballarat)

A gun footballer and cricketer. Brennan joins the Cats as a playing assistant coach. Spent 2025 in Sunbury’s reserves in the Ballarat league, kicking 58 goals as the Lions reached the grand final. Alec Goodson made a strong transition from Sunbury’s reserves to Melton South this year, so there’s no reason Brennan can’t follow suit. Also has a family connection as wife Clare is the daughter of Macedon life member Lex Beatson.

Hayden Ingleton (Kyneton)

Has mixed his time between seniors and reserves at Kyneton, playing three senior and 11 reserve grade games in 2025. A long-time Kyneton servant, Ingleton makes the jump across to neighbouring rivals Macedon to team up with his partner and B-Grade netball coach Teghan Butler.

Jacob Plowman (Kyneton)

A consistent performer for Kyneton’s reserves in the past few years, Plowman moves to Tony Clarke Reserve to team up with brother-in-law Hamish Govan. A reserve grade best-and-fairest winner and leading goalkicker at the Tigers, he will add valuable depth. Played all 16 games in the reserves in 2025, kicking 18 goals and earning seven bests.

MELTON CENTRALS

Dylan Chapman

Didn’t take the field in 2025 but reunites with coach Ben Chapman, who he played under at Thomastown in 2019. Was a two-time Team of the Year selection in the Northern league before moving to Outer East club Officer. Spent three seasons at Southern outfit Doveton Doves, last playing 17 games and earning 11 bests to help the club reach a Division 2 preliminary final.

Lincoln Clements (Deer Park, Essendon District)

A Blues junior returns. A significant coup for the club with Clements currently involved in the Western Jets Coates League program. Played two Futures under-16s matches for the Jets and one in the under-18s and will look to further his development in 2026. Started 2025 with two games for Centrals’ under-17s before heading to Deer Park, playing 10 under-16s matches before breaking into the Lions’ senior team for its Round 18 match and elimination final.

Deacon Fawcett (Darley, Ballarat)

A massive get for the Blues, securing the 2025 Darley premiership player. Brings plenty of speed and versatility to Arnold’s Creek Reserve after 18 senior games for the Devils this season, including all three finals. Represented the AFL Indigenous Academy in 2023, while playing under-17s and 19s before representing Western Jets in the Coates League and stepping up to senior football in 2024. Fawcett joins his brother Seth.

Seth Fawcett (Darley, Ballarat)

Comes to Centrals looking for senior opportunity after just four reserve grade matches for the Devils this season. A standout talent having played Western Jets in 2024, making three Coates League appearances, as well as eight senior games for Darley. Represented the Ballarat league at under-16 level in 2022 and played two Futures games for Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

Lane Tucker (Epping, Northern)

Reunites with coach Ben Chapman having previously played under him at Northern club Thomastown. Tucker last played at Northern Division 3 outfit Epping but only played two games in the reserves this year. He played eight senior games at Western outfit Sunshine in 2024.

Buckley Chapman (West Footscray, Western)

Teams up with the old man and new Centrals coach Ben. Spent 2025 with Western Division 2 club West Footscray, played 16 senior games and helping the club return to finals – featuring in the semi-final loss. Played 10 senior games for Sunshine in 2024 under his father, playing in the reserves grand final.

Dylan Appleby (West Footscray, Western)

One of the stars of West Footscray’s run to the Western Division 2 preliminary final this season. Appleby booted 40 goals in 20 matches, including a bag of six against Sunshine Heights. Reunites with coach Ben Chapman, who he played under at Sunshine in 2024 – playing three senior games and 13 in the reserves, including the grand final. A dynamic forward who will boost Centrals’ attack.

Jack Darling (Eynesbury)

The reigning RDFNL Club 18 league best-and-fairest with Eynesbury, playing 10 games, kicking 13 goals and earning a mention in the best seven times. Looking to step up to senior football in 2026 having last played at three games (and 12 more in the reserves) at Ballarat league club Bacchus Marsh in 2023.

Nathan Carroll (St Albans, Essendon District)

The power forward was limited to just one senior game this year due to a serious hamstring injury. A disappointment after coming off a sterling 2024 with Western club Sunshine. Carroll finished the year with 113 majors – including 108 in the home-and-away season – as the Kangaroos won the Division 2 premiership. When fit, looms as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition.

Cooper McPharlane (Roxburgh Park, Essendon District)

One of the leading goalkickers in EDFL Division 2 this year, bagging 38 majors in 18 matches to finish fifth in the league. Booted 118 goals in 46 matches in three seasons at the Magpies.

William Krithararis (Deer Park, Essendon District)

Brings top-tier experience and leadership having served as vice-captain of Deer Park this year. Injury curtailed in season, playing the first 11 games of the year before being sidelined. Part of the Lions’ Division 1 premiership in 2023.

Lucas Borg (Gisborne, Bendigo)

Played juniors at Centrals and represented the RDFNL in the Vic Metro Development Series in 2022. Came through the Gisborne Rookies and played Ballarat Under-18s at Gisborne in 2025. Played 15 games and kicked 25 goals for the Bulldogs and returns to the Blues looking for a senior opportunity.

Caiden Hill (Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat)

Another who played juniors at Centrals and represented the RDFNL at 2022. Then came up through Bacchus Marsh’s pathway, playing under-18s in 2025. Played 19 games as the Cobras reached the preliminary final. Now looking for a senior footy opportunity.

Paul Tomelty (Wyndham Suns, Western)

Only played two games at reserve grade level in WFNL Division 2 this year but previously was a consistent contributor for the Suns. His last season saw him play 17 games and kicked 12 goals, earning a mention in the best nine times, in 2023. Spent 2024 with Mornington Peninsula power Rosebud, playing 14 reserve grade matches and getting seven bests.

Jordan Davis (Sunshine, Western)

A member of Sunshine’s Division 2 premiership and he stuck with the club for the move to Premier Division. Davis played 12 senior games in 2025. Will add important experience and leadership to Centrals’ line-up.

MELTON SOUTH

Bailey Mawson (Melton, Ballarat)

The 24-year-old key defender is a two-time Ballarat league premiership winner with the Bloods. He played another 14 senior games in 2025, including Melton’s heart-breaking preliminary final loss to Sunbury. Capable of shutting down opposition forwards or being a marking target in attack himself and even back up in the ruck when required.

Josh Cooper (Melton, Ballarat)

Made his senior debut for the Bloods in 2021 but only played 22 games in five seasons, including eight this year. Looking for more consistent senior opportunity with the Panthers and will add nicely to the club’s backline.

Blake Souter (Melton, Ballarat)

A massive get for the Panthers, luring Souter across from the Bloods. The inside midfielder is a two-time Ballarat league premiership player and was named best-on-ground in the 2022 triumph. Still only 26 and played another 21 games in 2025 and was in the best 13 times.

Trent Angwin (Darley, Ballarat)

Reunites with Bacchus Marsh premiership coach Travis Hodgson. Took a year away from football but had spent the previous five seasons with Darley, last playing eight senior games in 2024. If back up to senior level, will be a strong addition to the backline.

Jai Whitehand (Melton, Ballarat)

The half-forward arrives from Ballarat league power Melton, where he played nine reserve grade games in 2025. Has been a consistent presence in the Bloods’ reserves, playing 67 games since 2021 without cracking into the senior team. A part of Melton’s reserve grade grand final team in 2022 and now looking to break into the Panthers’ line-up.

RIDDELL

Darcy Young (Gisborne, Bendigo)

Won back-to-back Bendigo league Under-18s premiership in 2022 and 2023, making his senior debut for the Bulldogs in the later season. Had established himself as a senior player by 2025, playing 17 of 19 games, including the club’s preliminary final loss. A midfield-forward, Young brings youth but also plenty of top-end experience to the Creek.

Jacob Murphy (Gisborne, Bendigo)

A return to the Riddell District and Riddell. Murphy played five senior games for the Bombers in 2017 and last played in the league in 2023, for Woodend-Hesket. Has been dominant at reserves level without cracking into Gisborne’s senior team. Won the McDonald Medal as the reserve grade league best-and-fairest in 2022 as the Bulldogs made the grand final and claimed his second reserves league award in 2024 as the club again went down in the grand final. The strong midfielder played 18 games in 2025 as Gisborne reached the reserve grade preliminary final.

Nathan Hrovat (Shepparton Swans, Goulburn Valley)

The former Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne midfielder is coming off a best-and-fairest winning season in Shepp, where he’s played for the past three years after a stop at Greensborough following his AFL career. Hrovat played 17 games, kicked 10 goals and was in the best nine times for the Swans in 2025.

Mark Kovacevic (Shepparton Swans, Goulburn Valley)

One of the finest rucks to have played in the Northern league in the last decade, winning a Division 1 premiership and grand final medal in 2018 with West Preston-Lakeside before a knee injury sidelined him. Has spent the last two years in the strong GVFL, winning a Swans best-and-fairest in 2024. Played 15 games and kicked 12 goals in 2025.

ROMSEY

TBC

WALLAN

Tarkyn Lennox (Kilmore)

A Wallan junior returns to Greenhill Reserve after a year at Kilmore. Has battled injuries in recent years after being a key player in the Magpies’ RDFNL Under-19s premiership in 2022.

Dion Hill (Deer Park, Essendon District)

A huge coup for the Magpies, luring the big-bodied utility. Capable of holding down centre half-forward or centre half-back and even running through the middle as a contested ball-winner. After a late start to 2025, Hill played eight senior games for the Lions. Was at East Keilor in 2024, where he played 15 games and was in the best seven times. Claimed the EDFL Division 1 goalkicking title in 2021 with 56 majors in just 12 games and is a multiple Team of the Year selection.

Owen Fowler (Boulder City, Western Australia)

A key player in the Magpies’ run to the 2024 RDFNL grand final before shifting west for an employment opportunity. Suited up for Boulder City in the Goldfields league and played six senior games, including the club’s grand final. Returns to Greenhill Oval, where he made 18 senior appearances in 2024, earning four bests, and was named Defender of the Year. A huge boost after the loss of Jake Carlisle.

Ben Dessent (East Brighton, Southern)

The midfielder was named in the Southern league’s best in the inter-league clash against Western this year. On a Saturday, a key player for East Brighton in SFNL Division 1, playing all 18 games and earning a mention in the best eight times. Previously captained Eastern club Montrose, where he won a best-and-fairest and Team of the Year selection. Also earned a B&F and two Team of the Year nods in the Western league with Sunshine.

Cody Ball (Craigieburn, Essendon District)

Stepped into senior footy at Craigieburn, playing six games in EDFL Premier Division in 2021. Moved to Avenel in 2023 for two seasons, playing 29 games, before returning to Aitken Reserve in 2025. Mixed his time between seniors and reserves, splitting his season 12 and six - featuring in the club’s Division 1 semi-final win but missing out on the preliminary final loss.

Lachlan Smart (Deer Park, Essendon District)

One of the leading lights in the EDFL across stints at Deer Park and East Keilor. Bagged an impressive 43 goals in 17 matches for the Lions in 2025, putting him in the top 10 in Premier Division. Kicked 39 in 16 matches for East Keilor in 2024. A significant addition to the Magpies’ attack for 2026.

Pat Andrews

Was announced as a ProKick Australia graduate this year and committed to Arkansas Tech University as a punter but has returned to Australia and has linked up with Wallan. Last played footy in 2023 with Newbridge in the Loddon Valley league, named club captain in 2022. The 6’4 key defender will slot in nicely at centre half-back. Follows in his father Ross’ footsteps, who was a member of the Magpies’ grand final team in 2000.

Ned Davis (Whittlesea, Northern)

A club junior returns after a year off. Had signed with Northern club Whittlesea for 2025 but ended up sitting the year out. Played all his junior footy at Wallan, last playing two senior games – and 13 in the under-19s – in 2024.

WOODEND-HESKET

TBC

BIG OUTS

Tommy Alkemade (Talbot, Maryborough Castlemaine)

A three-time premiership player at Riddell, yet somehow still under-rated for his impact and influence on a weekly basis. Alkemade was awarded the grand final medal in the Bombers’ 2024 triumph, finishing second in the club best-and-fairest, while he’s also a two-time Team of the Year selection and RDFNL representative. A hard-running winger who can help out defensively before pushing forward to be a danger around goals.

Dylan Tarczon (Talbot, Maryborough Castlemaine)

A massive blow for Riddell, losing arguably their most dynamic player and match-winner. Tarczon departs after a decorated stay at the Creek. A three-time premiership player, including back-to-back the past two years, a league best-and-fairest runner-up in 2023, club best-and-fairest winner and seven-time Team of the Year selection. Played 14 games in 2025, kicking 16 goals and was named in the best 10 times, finishing third in the club champion award.

Victor Micallef (Talbot, Maryborough Castlemaine)

Departs after one season with Wallan, where he played 17 games, kicked 21 goals and was in the best eight times. Will be hard to replace given his experience and leadership, having won an EDFL Division 1 league best-and-fairest, multiple-time club champion awards and been a seven-time Team of the Year selection.

Marlion Pickett (Eaton Boomers, WA)

Unfortunately for the Panthers, the Richmond premiership star only spends one season at Melton Reserve. He’ll head home to Western Australia in 2026, joining South West league club Eaton. His one year of service was still stellar, despite only playing 10 games he still earned Team of the Year selection and finished third in the club best-and-fairest.

Dean Galea (Moama, Murray)

The legendary local footy goalkicker has a new frontier to conquer. A two-time Frosty Miller Medallist in the VFL, league goalkicking titles in the Essendon District and Riddell District and close to 1300 senior goals. A member of Riddell’s back-to-back RDFNL premierships, kicking five goals in each. Will be hard to replace at the Bombers.

Jake Carlisle (Moama, Murray)

The former Bomber and Saint was excellent for Wallan this season but heads north of the Murray River in 2026. Carlisle was elite across half-back and impressed in the ruck when filling in for Chris Stewart, earning himself Team of the Year honours.

Tom Jackson (Tullamarine, Essendon District)

A huge blow to Lancefield, losing its leading goalkicker. Jackson finished the season with an impressive 42 goals in 16 matches in a team that won just three games for the year. He bagged six majors in the Round 18 boilover against minor premier Diggers Rest to end the season on a high.

Kamen Ogilvie (Lake Boga, Central Murray)

The two-time premiership winner at Riddell is off to the country in 2026, joining several Bombers at Lake Boga. Ogilvie played 13 games and was in the best five times in 2025, backing up a 2024 season that saw him play 18 games and earn seven bests.

Jordan Reardon (Lake Boga, Central Murray)

A three-time premiership winner at Riddell, including the 2024-25 back-to-back flags. A key member of the Bombers’ defence, holding down full-back most weeks and negativing the opposition’s best forward. Played all 19 games in 2025.

Lachy Hay (Tasmania, VFL)

A huge loss for Riddell and the league with the young gun earning a VFL contract with incoming Tasmania. After bursting onto the scene with Macedon, Hay took his game to another level in 2025, playing 19 games, kicking 23 goals and earning 13 bests. Would finish the season winning the Bombers’ best-and-fairest and Team of the Year honours.