SFNL: East Brighton’s latest recruits have strengthened an area it targeted this off-season

A Southern league challenger has solidified its spine by recruiting a leaping defender and a 200cm ruckman. Here are the details.

Luke Grima takes a kick for Wantirna South. Picture: Supplied.

East Brighton has reinforced its spine with the addition of two big men.

The Vampires have signed 200cm ruckman Emile Tait (Bonbeach) and centre half back Luke Grima (Wantirna South).

Tait and Grima join Ben Dessent (midfielder) and Tommy Evans (small forward) as newcomers ahead of 2025.

Grima has been named in his side’s best in 22 of his past 50 games.

Luke Grima flies for a big mark. Picture: Supplied.

Coach Nick Jewell said he was rapt to get the latest signings over the line because he felt the big man stocks was an area the Vampires “were a bit thin”.

“Luke (Grima) is a really important one for us, the middle of the ground and forward have been really strong for us so it’s an area we targeted,” he said.

“Tabs (Daniel Taberner) first year in Div 1 and Sonny Moore as our second ruck at only 17 – it was an area we thought we were a bit thin.

“I think Sonny Moore has a heap of potential to play in a number of positions but was forced to play in that ruck role, that frees him up to play down back or even as a wing.

“To bring in Emile to help Tabs out, we can perhaps push him (Taberner) forward, go big, go small — it gives us options.

“Campo (Daniel Campisano) takes the big monsters but Luke gives us that extra marking power with Tyrren Head and Liam Harris.”

Emile Tait (R) with East Brighton coach Nick Jewell.

The Vampires missed Southern league finals by percentage in a race that came down to the final siren of the home and away season.

Jewell says the Vampires are still pushing for recruits and feel they need to in an improving Division 1.

“You’d imagine Narre (Warren) are going to hit the ground running so it’s going to be a bloody good comp,” he said.

“Even the ladder positions, Bentleigh (eighth) had a terrific win late in the season knocking off Port Colts.

“I think every week you’re going to have to be on your game to get the win which is great, it’s the strongest Southern has been in the time I can remember.”