Sam Rowe signs at Eastern Football League club Doncaster East
Doncaster East could have as many as four former Carlton players on its list in 2019 after landing another former Blue.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Doncaster East could have as many as four former Carlton players on its list in 2019 after signing ex-Blue Sam Rowe.
The Lions announced on Tuesday the reliable defender had signed with the 2018 Division 2 premiers, boosting their bid to reach the top tier for the first time in club history.
EFL: DONCASTER LANDS FIRST KEY SIGNING
EFL: BULLS IN BATTLE TO HOLD ACE FORWARD
EFL: NORSEMEN SIGN FORMER WESTERN BULLDOGS SWINGMAN
EFL: CLUBS IN TRANSFER TANGLE OVER EX-AFL RUCKMAN
EFL: RULE CHANGES COMING IN 2019
The 31-year-old was cut by Carlton in October, one game short of reaching 100 games at Princes Park.
Rowe joins former Carlton teammate Simon White at Zerbes Reserve, while the club is also hopeful fellow premiership player Brock McLean will play on in 2019.
Grand final best on ground Dillon Viojo-Rainbow could also remain aligned with the club next year as he continues his VFL career.
Doncaster East president Mark Solanakis said the Lions’ links to Carlton helped lure Rowe, who has been training at the club since mid-November.
Solanakis tipped Rowe would play a role both in attack and defence.
“He will play both ends of the ground and the coaches will play him where they see fit,” Solanakis said.
“He’s expressed an interest to play forward … he’ll be used in the spots we need him but he is going to be a bit of a swingman I suggest.”
McLean and fellow veteran Michael Steven are weighing up their options for next year, while Leigh Murphy has retired.
Jack Martin (Balwyn) and Conor Lucas (Donvale) are the confirmed departures.
Doncaster East romped to this year’s premiership and will be in the unique position of contending for consecutive second-tier flags after not being promoted due to the Eastern Football League restructure.
Solanakis said the Lions were determined to climb into Premier division by 2020.
“Grand final night, I’ve been involved there for over 30 years, it was great to celebrate but there was just something missing,” he said.
“We’re very keen as a club, it’s not just the team, I think everyone is pretty keen to get us in Premier division and mix it with the big boys of the competition.”
MORE LOCAL FOOTY
MPFNL: HASTINGS SIGN FORMER RICHMOND PLAYER
NFL: PREMIERSHIP BULLDOG LINKS UP WITH NORTH HEIDELBERG
BFL: VFL KEY POSITION PLAYER SIGNS AT SUNBURY
Rumour mill: Ex-AFL men linked to local powerhouses
A recently delisted Blue linked with a local footy power, talk of a training dust up and one club enrolling its stars in yoga classes. Here are all the latest whispers from around the leagues.
Why Mangan chose to take Giants challenge
Brad Mangan, one of country footy’s most decorated players, would have had numerous suitors but a conversation with his neighbour led him to become Gisborne Giants inaugural captain.