Wallan adds four experienced recruits for Riddell District premiership tilt

After falling at the preliminary final hurdle last season, Wallan has added four experienced recruits to try and take the next step in 2024.

Sean Morris in action for Wallan. Picture: Andy Brownbill

This time 12 months ago Wallan coach Daniel Nolan labelled his squad the best young team in the Riddell District.

Now, with the Magpies adding some exceptional experience, he’s confident the club has the ability to go two steps further than its preliminary final finish last year.

Chris Stewart’s arrival is arguably one of the biggest recruiting coups in suburban football, while Shaun Stewart, Lachlan Inness and Reuben Rode have also signed on at Greenhill Reserve.

Ruckman Patrick Mahoney will also return full-time after spending the majority of the season overseas last year.

“This time last year I said our young boys are pretty good and we finished second in the home-and-away season,” Nolan said.

“Now add Shaun Stewart’s leadership quality, Chris Stewart is a premiership captain four times, add that experience, plus Reuben Rode with his pace.”

Chris Stewart arrives after two seasons with East Keilor, while Shaun Stewart returns to Wallan after two seasons at Rupertswood.

Lachlan Inness returns after a year at Heathcote, while Rode – a Magpies junior – comes across from Kyabram.

“Chris is just so strong, he can play ruck or deep forward,” Nolan said.

“The way he marks the footy, he’s so clean, and his ruck craft – Snake Morris, Boyall and Viani will be pretty happy.

“With him, Hayden Gill and now Patty Mahoney is back – Patty went overseas after Round 4 and was almost winning the Bowen (Medal) I reckon – so all of a sudden we’ve got some talls, which is nice.

“Reuben is a local, a Wallan junior, which is what we want.

“He came second in the Calder Cannons best-and-fairest in 2022 and is doing a pre-season at Carlton VFL.

“He’s so quick, he’s a big pick up for us, he adds to our youth and he’ll be someone to watch.

“Shaun was with us when I started and played interleague for the RDFNL and was my vice-captain.

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“He went to Rupertswood and made Team of the Year last year, half-back flank or back pocket.”

After finishing second in the home-and-away season, Wallan won its qualifying final against Woodend-Hesket.

The Magpies took minor premier Diggers Rest to extra-time in one of the all-time classic RDFNL matches but suffered the following week, going down to the Hawks in the preliminary final.

The clubs reserve grade also made the grand final, while the under-19.5s were preliminary finalists.