St Arnaud signs Josh Caddy for next year

A country club in the state’s north has signed an AFL premiership player as it looks to rise up the ladder. Here is what we know.

Josh Caddy will play for St Arnaud next year after playing for Port Melbourne. Picture: Andy Brownbill

 

Family ties to the town will see former AFL player Josh Caddy play for St Arnaud in the North Central league next year.

The two-time premiership player who played more than 170 AFL games for three clubs will be heading north to play after already playing for the club this season.

Caddy, who also played for Port Melbourne Colts in the Southern league last year, made one appearance for the Saints last season as part of a sportsman’s dinner at the club.

He kicked two goals against Birchip-Watchem and now will be part of the club full time in 2025.

“He’s got a family connection through the town,” St Arnaud president Dean Wandel said.

“That’s how it came about.

“Hopefully it can bring us up the ladder over the next few years.”

Josh Caddy will be a welcome addition to help the juniors at St Arnaud. Picture: Sarah Reed

It’s been a tough few years for St Arnaud, winning five games in the past three seasons.

In 2023, the team failed to win a game.

It’s also been nine years since the team made the finals when the Saints won the flag.

Wandel said Caddy’s signing is the first step to bouncing back.

“Success is not going to come straight away but we want to be more competitive on the field and sustain it over the next few years,” he said.

“We’ve got a group of young blokes there now so hopefully we can add to it (with Caddy).”

Scott Driscoll will remain at the club as coach for next year after moving to the Saints this year.

Wandel won’t be there as president next year, confirming he is stepping down at the upcoming annual general meeting for the club.