The best local footy signings of the 2024 off-season
Ex-AFL guns, state league stars and local heroes have been among the signings at clubs throughout the off-season. We name those who have stood out.
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Christmas has come early for some local footy clubs.
Throughout the off-season, teams across metro Melbourne have been battling it out off the field to secure the biggest name recruits for the 2024 season.
As clubs prepare for their Christmas break, Leader Local Footy has broken down the top signings of the off-season so far.
How does your club’s signing rank?
EASTERN
Luke Dunstan, South Belgrave
The recently retired AFL midfielder has landed at South Belgrave, following 121 matches across St Kilda and Melbourne from 2014-2023.
Josh Fox, East Ringwood
Arguably the Southern league’s most damaging forward of 2023 is set to boost an already-potent ‘Roos attack next season, with Cheltenham spearhead Josh Fox joining the club.
Bailey Griffiths, Templestowe
The former SANFL big man has returned to the Division 2 outfit, crossing from Wodonga. The 203cm ruckman is the nephew of Port Adelaide premiership star Dean Brogan and the son of dual basketball Olympian, Michelle Brogan.
Jake Hammond, Blackburn
The high-flyer spent the past two seasons with the Cohuna Kangas in the Central Murray league, following a decorated stint with the Burners from 2014-2021 which took in almost 400 goals across more than 130 games.
Chris Jones, South Croydon
Jones is fresh off a 50-game stint with WAFL club Swan Districts from 2021-2023, after last playing at South Croydon in 2019. The former VFL defender spent five seasons with Box Hill from 2014-2018, taking in state representative honours in 2017 before a premiership with the Hawks in ’18.
Rhett Jordan, Croydon
The Norwood champion has joined the Blues as their playing coach for next season.
Tim O’Brien, Doncaster East
The 29-year-old arrives at the club after he was delisted by the Western Bulldogs at the end of the 2023 season.
Christian Poe, Bayswater
Former Eastern Ranges gun Christian Poe has signed on at the Waters, crossing from The Basin in Division 2. A regular starter for the Bears in recent seasons, he’s set to bolster Bayswater’s engine room.
Josh Tovey, Norwood
The key defender and former East Ranges captain headlines the list of inclusions at the club.
Kayne Turner, Balwyn
Turner became Balwyn’s first major move of the off-season. The midfielder was delisted in October after almost a decade at North Melbourne, playing 130 games from 2014-2023.
Nathan Wright, Beaconsfield
Former St Kilda utility Wright has signed at the Division 1 outfit, crossing from top-flight Southern league club Chelsea Heights. He played 35 games for the Saints.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Atu Bosenavulagi, St Albans
Originally had signed for the 2023 season, the two-time AFL player joins the Saints for a big 2024.
Damien Cavka, Hillside
One of several big name recruits to arrive at the Sharks for next season. He joins from Keilor.
Sam Godden, Hadfield
The exciting goalkicking midfielder arrives after a superb season for Dimboola in the Wimmera league. Has a raking left foot.
Matt Hanson, Airport West
After retiring from the VFL with Werribee, Hanson is the big name recruit for the Eagles as they look to build on an impressive return to Premier Division.
Josh Honey, Keilor
Recently delisted by Carlton, Honey will play with the Blues full-time in the EDFL next season.
Jamieson House, Deer Park
Arrives from Launceston in the TSL and is expected to play as a key at either end. A three-time premiership player and state representative earlier this year.
Taj McCartney, Tullamarine
One of the competition’s most exciting youngsters makes the move from Oak Park after premiership success.
Caleb McPherson, Avondale Heights
Arrives from Albion in the WRFL. Will predominantly play in the middle while also being able to go forward and kick a goal.
Lachie Plowman, Maribyrnong Park
The ex-AFL defender has arrived at the club fresh off his retirement. Coach Brodie Holland said he could play in any area of the ground.
Tim Quick, East Keilor
Success follows Quick wherever he goes, having won seven local footy premierships. He joins Deer Park teammate Lachie Smart at the club.
Ben Ronke, Aberfeldie
The former Sydney Swan has joined Abers as co-coach. He will coach alongside Clay Illman.
Ahmed Saad, Pascoe Vale
The Panthers made one of the big moves of the off-season after confirming the arrival of Saad from West Preston Lakeside. The former AFL forward will add plenty of bite to the club’s front half.
Lachlan Smart, East Keilor
A premiership winner with Deer Park, Smart enjoyed a dominant season for the Lions in 2023.
Ben Weightman, Taylors Lakes
The exciting goalkicker arrives from Mt Pleasant in the Heathcote District league. Was a member of the Bendigo league’s team of the decade.
Noah Weihrauch, Essendon Doutta Stars
The exciting winger steps up to the top tier for a fresh challenge. Will play on the wing most likely. Was a star for former club West Coburg.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Kai Owens, Mornington
The 24-year-old was runner-up in Frankston VFL’s best and fairest last season and is a massive boost for the Bulldogs ahead of their rise to Division 1.
Ty Vickery, Edithvale-Aspendale
The former Richmond and Hawthorn, who played 125 AFL games booting 160 goals, will certainly be a handful for opposition defenders.
Matt Gahan, Dromana
The 2019 Dromana premiership player returns to the jungle after three years with Southport Sharks in the VFL. He played 18 games in the VFL last season.
Jordan Kelly, Chelsea
The former Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs AFL listed player most recently has been playing his footy with Old Xaverians and will boost the Gulls backline in 2024.
Riley D’Arcy, Frankston YCW
The former Frankston VFL forward has signed on at the Stonecats, crossing from Karingal in Division 2 where he kicked 111 goals in the past two seasons.
Damian Mascitti, Mt Eliza
Mascitti won a Box Hill Hawks best and fairest as a top-line rebounding defender and captained the Hawks.
Chris Carey, Mt Eliza
The ruckman played with Port Melbourne and Sandringham, and also won league medals in the Southern League for East Malvern where he was a playing-coach.
Dylan Clarke, Sorrento
The ex-AFL Bomber boosts the Sharks midfield after stints with Port Melbourne in the VFL and Woodville-West Torrens.
Liam Buxton, Sorrento
The former Vermont and Montmorency finished runner-up in the Northern Football League medal and was named the ruckman in the NFL Division 1 team of the year.
Andrew Dean, Karingal
The former Rye captain and goalkicking ace joins the Bulls after kicking over 500 goals in senior football.
Tom Schneider, Pearcedale
The 31-year-old is a former Hawthorn draftee and best and fairest winner at Box Hill Hawks as well as a three-time B&F winner at Eastern Football League powerhouse Vermont, where he played starring roles in two premierships.
Brett Eddy, Pearcedale
Was drafted to Port Adelaide, making three AFL appearances. During a seven-year stint with SANFL’s South Adelaide, he proved himself a prolific goal-kicker, averaging 70 goals a season. He’s also a premiership player with Vermont.
Kris Pendlebury, Edithvale-Aspendale
The former Collingwood VFL captain has been appointed Edi-Asp and will add strength and experience to the Eagles backline.
Ishak Bashir, Edithvale-Aspendale
The stoppage-king midfielder was runner-up in Seaford’s best and fairest award in 2022.
Sam Mackinder, Seaford
The Beaconsfield youngster who was also a member of the Frankston Dolphins academy will boost the Tigers midfield.
Will Kennedy, Seaford
The young ruckman won the best and fairest at the Western Jets in 2019 and was touted as a draft prospect.
Ryan Morrison, Dromana
Morrison has been a mainstay in the EFNL Premier Division Team of the Year at full back and was pivotal in Noble Park’s 2022 premiership. He strengthens an already dominant force in Dromana.
NORTHERN
Ben Barton (Kilmore)
A strong pick-up for Kilmore. Barton, a club junior, comes with an excellent country resume having earned Team of the Year honours in the Heathcote District league in 2022 and 2023 and was crowned Colbinabbin’s club best-and-fairest winner this season. The defender will be one to watch in 2024.
Callum Brown (Montmorency)
Won’t see much time in the black and white due to his VFL commitments at Box Hill but a significant signing nonetheless. Changes his aligned club from Marcellin in the VAFA. Brown is coming off a superb season with the Hawks, earning Team of the Year honours after averaging 29 disposals. The former Collingwood father-son draftee would be a huge boost if he’s available at any stage in 2024.
Patrick Farrant (Fitzroy Stars)
There aren’t many 100-goal forwards in the Northern league and now Fitzroy Stars possesses one. Young Farrant booted 107 goals in 16 matches for Bridgetown in the Lower South West Football League in WA this season and has previous WAFL experience at Swan Districts. His old man, Paddy Senior was a premiership player at Fitzroy Stars and the club hopes his son can add to the family legacy.
Sam Gilmore (Old Paradians)
We named him the No.1 player in NFNL Division 1 this season, which gives you an idea of the magnitude of this signing. Gilmore will likely be the biggest recruit of the off-season. A two-time Heidelberg premiership captain, three-time premiership player, best-and-fairest winner and Team of the Year regular. An astounding get for the Raiders. Will take time out of the game to travel in 2024 but will be an invaluable addition when available.
Lucas Hobbs (Whittlesea)
One of the most decorated players in DVFL/NFNL history. Hobbs returns to Whittlesea Showgrounds after eight years at Macleod. A two-time premiership player and two-time club best-and-fairest winner at Whittlesea. He also won a premiership, a Rosbrook Medal, three club best-and-fairests at the Kangas and is an earned Team of the Year honours six times across Division 1 and 2.
Nash Holmes (Montmorency)
A huge addition to the Magpies and Northern league with Holmes committing full-time at Montmorency Park. He has been a VFL mainstay for several years, previously with Essendon and North Melbourne, and most recently with Port Melbourne. The big bodied midfielder played 14 matches for the Borough this season and averaged 22 disposals. Was aligned to Deer Park last season and won the grand final medal in the Lions’ EDFL Division 1 premiership.
Harvey Hooper (Montmorency)
The Port Melbourne captain and reigning best-and-fairest winner switches local clubs from Old Scotch. The Magpies expect to see him sparsely in 2024 but just having him at the club to pass on his experience and leadership to the young players will be a benefit.
Neville Jetta (Fitzroy Stars)
The former Melbourne AFL star and now Collingwood VFL gun will align with the Stars at local level this season. Jetta played 19 VFL games this season and featured prominently in club best-and-fairest voting. He’ll remain a player and development coach at the Magpies and run out for the Stars when available. Nevertheless a quality addition if just for his leadership and experience around the club.
Kyle Kankaanpaa (Diamond Creek)
The 21-year-old young gun was a regular at Montmorency this season but will call Coventry Oval home in 2024. Kankaanpaa played 17 senior games for the Magpies, including both finals. It’s a return of sorts with Kankaanpaa’s old man Mark a two-time Creekers premiership player.
Tyrone Leonardis (South Morang)
The former Sydney AFL-listed star and reigning NFNL Division 2 Coaches’ MVP will call South Morang home in 2024, jumping across from divisional rival Thomastown. Will add some class to the Lions midfield or off halfback with his ball use and decision-making.
James Lucente (Thomastown)
The reigning NFNL Division 2 leading goalkicker is on the move in 2024. Lucente swaps Watsonia for Thomastown after a career-best season saw him kick 61 goals to top the competition, earn Team of the Year honours and a top-10 finish in the league best-and-fairest. The 22-year-old will be a big boost to the Bears’ attack.
Brent Macaffer (Old Eltham Collegians)
The biggest signing of the Northern league off-season? The Collingwood premiership player returns to the Northern league after two super seasons with Tooradin-Dalmore in the West Gippsland league. The star midfielder won a premiership and the league best-and-fairest in 2022 and was named in the Team of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Will dominate the midfield in Division 3.
Brent Marshall (Mernda)
One of the biggest recruits of the off-season, simply for luring a Marshall out of Bundoora. ‘Nipper’ arrives at Waterview Reserve with a superb resume, including 221 matches for Bundoora, two NFNL Division 1 premierships – including one as captain – and Bulls captain for nine years. He’ll be midfield coach under Rob Fletcher and provide invaluable experience and leadership for the Demons.
Tim Martin (Banyule)
A contender for recruit of the off-season so far. The Bears welcome back star ruckman Martin after one season away with Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District league. Martin helped the Hawks reach the RDFNL grand final for the first time since 2007 and finished third in the Bowen Medal. A Banyule premiership player in 2022.
Sam McLarty (Banyule)
The former Collingwood-listed defender commits to the Bears, moving down the road after signing with NFNL Division 1 rival Heidelberg this year but not playing a game. The 195cm key position player underwent shoulder surgery after suffering the injury playing for Coburg in the VFL. Will be a handful at either end of the ground in 2024.
Liam McMahon (Eltham)
Returns to Eltham from Montmorency but is expected to play the majority of 2024 in the VFL after a strong season with Carlton this year. The former Collingwood second-round AFL Draft pick played 17 VFL games and kicking 18 goals for the Blues as well as eight goals in five appearances for the Magpies.
Sam Philp (Bundoora)
The former Carlton first-round draft pick has landed at Bundoora, alongside old Northern Knights teammates Jackson Davies, Ryan Sturgess and Jackson Bowne. Philp has signed with VFL club Port Melbourne and is expected to be a key member of the Borough’s line-up, which will limit his availability at the Bulls, but it remains a handy addition for new coach Heath Scotland.
Kain Proctor (Fitzroy Stars)
The son of a gun midfielder returns to Sir Doug Nicholls Oval after three seasons and back-to-back NFNL Division 1 grand finals at Bundoora. Proctor captained the Stars to a VASCAL George Atkinson Victorian Statewide Championship last month and could be leading them out when the 2024 Northern league season kicks off next year.
Sam Rexhepi (Lalor)
A massive recruiting coup for Lalor, regaining the services of the former club captain. Even in Lalor’s down years, Rexhepi was a goal machine, kicking 25 goals, winning the club best-and-fairest and making the Team of the Year in 2021 and 39 majors in 2019.
Tom Wallis (North Heidelberg)
The son of a gun arrives at Shelley Reserve from EDFL club Essendon Doutta Stars. The son of Essendon premiership player Dean, Wallis was drafted by Essendon with pick No.54 in the 2015 rookie draft and spent a year on the Bombers AFL list. Spent a couple of years with East Perth in the WAFL as well. Made 13 appearances for the Stars this year, earning a mention in the best nine times.
Noah Wheeler (Banyule)
A significant recruiting coup for the Bears, landing the reigning Bendigo league Michelsen Medallist and Team of the Year gun. Wheeler arrives after a superb season for Eaglehawk and will add further firepower to the Banyule engine room and provide plenty of leadership.
OUTER EAST
Ryan Hillard, Gembrook Cockatoo
The star midfielder joins the Brookers from Hampton Park. A best and fairest winner and Berwick premiership player in 2017, his strong leadership and class will ensure the Brookers’ midfield runs deep in 2024.
Cory Phillips, Gembrook Cockatoo
The Hampton Park premiership captain is a strong-bodied midfielder with a raking left foot, sure to add grunt and depth to the midfield under coach Michael Firrito.
Jake Calvert, Woori Yallock
The former VFL and VAFA player joins the Tigers from Olinda Ferny Creek and will add a sharp edge to the backline as well as being able to go forward.
Jake Gains, Officer
A Noble Park and Berwick premiership ruckman, Gains can play any position along the spine.
Brenton Hillard, Officer
A former club junior, the tough midfielder’s footy journey includes five years with Casey’s VFL program including a VFL development premiership, two years at Frankston VFL and the past three seasons with Noble Park.
SOUTHERN
Jack Lonie, Cheltenham
The former Saint has kicked 46 goals in his past two seasons of local footy playing a mid-forward role. While what he brings as an individual is well-documented, the freedom his presence will give his teammates in terms of match-ups is as equally advantageous for the Rosellas.
Sam Dunell, Cheltenham
Dunell’s versatility allows him to be Cheltenham’s safety net in 2023. By being able to play in each third of the ground, the Rosellas can place the ex-Saint wherever they are struggling and count on the issue being resolved.
Jacob Edwards, Cheltenham
It’s not every day a 200cm ruckman fresh out of the AFL system lands in local footy. He will give the Rosellas midfielders first use – which is a dangerous proposition.
Trent Dennis-Lane, Dingley
The clever forward fills the gap Dingley so evidently lacked last season and from all reports he is showing he’s still a force to be reckoned with at the Dingoes pre-season.
Caleb Lewis, Dingley
A bona-fide star that could tear the Southern league apart in the limited time he plays for Dingley.
Riley Collier-Dawkins, Springvale Districts
He mightn’t play much for the Demons but when he does, he will certainly do it well.
Shem Tatupu, Port Melbourne Colts
Tatupu moves the Colts from a finals side to a serious contender. If he gives midfielders Billie Smedts and Justin Taylor the use he provided his St Kilda City teammates last year, the Colts will be tough to beat, especially at home.
Kyle Hutchison, East Brighton
Hutchison is a super star of the highest order and will be a two-pronged weapon for the Vampires with his ability to go forward. His record in the Mornington Peninsula league speaks for itself, winning eight premierships with Frankston YCW.
Rob Forrest, East Brighton
A senior best-and-fairest winner at Rosebud in the MPFNL, Forrest will take some attention off the other stars in the Vampires engine room.
Todd Elton, Murrumbeena
The former Richmond forward joins Murrumbeena after a strong season with Deer Park. He adds well-needed “firepower” to the Lions, according to new coach Michael Kinsella.
Byron Wright, Murrumbeena
It’s villain turn hero for Wright at Murrumbeena. The crafty forward that sunk the Lions in 2022 will be one of their shining recruits in 2024.
Wade Lees, Murrumbeena
Lees adds to the already strong Beena midfield, causing more headaches for opposition coaches across Division 2.
Liam Sumner, Black Rock
The Jets have recruited supremely well and the ex-GWS Giant and Carlton forward headlines that.
Taylor Stratton, Frankston Dolphins
Makes this list for not only what he will bring as a player, but also for what he has brought as a connected coach. Stratton has built a formidable recruits list for the Dolphins, who now look bound to contend for another flag.
Erish Uthayakumar, Chelsea Heights
Uthayakumar crashes packs, kicks goals and lifts his teammates. If the Demons can give him enough opportunities, he should kick north of 40 goals.
VAFA
Mitch Brown, Parkdale Vultures
The ex-AFL man arrives at the club from Mordialloc in the Southern league. He will play a key role up forward.
Matt Carnelley, St John’s
An experienced forward who has kicked over 1000 goals in his senior career. He will play in Division 3.
Leo Connolly, De La Salle
The former St Kilda listed player arrives at the club as a big name arrival. He finished as runner-up in Sandringham’s 2022 VFL best-and-fairest.
Caleb Ernst, Prahran
The versatile tall is expected to play inside forward 50 after joining from Strathfieldsaye. He also has previous experience with the Bendigo Pioneers.
Sam Fisher, Old Xaverians
The Sandover Medalist will link up with Old Xavs for the 2024 season. Formerly listed by Sydney.
James Strauss, Old Yarra Cobras
The ex-AFL player, who featured 24 times for Melbourne, joins mates at the Cobras. Has previously played for St Kevins.
Trent Warren, Old Carey
The key position prospect arrives at the club after three years in the VFL with Box Hill and Coburg. He previously played college basketball in the US.
WESTERN
Jed Anderson, Hoppers Crossing
Straight out of the AFL system, Anderson will link up with his former North Melbourne teammate Jared Polec who will take over the coaching role.
Josh Bench, Albion
A premiership player with Altona in 2022, the star midfielder is returning to his home club.
Tom Condon, Parkside
The EDFL’s leading goalkicker in 2023 is on the move to the Magpies. He kicked 67 goals in 19 games this season.
Josiah Garisto, Albion
Joins the club from Avondale Heights where he played regular EDFL Premier Division footy this season. He was previously listed by Essendon in the VFL.
Nick Graham, Spotswood
The former AFL player returns to a club where he had previous individual success. With the Woodsmen in 2021, graham won the WRFL MVP and club’s best-and-fairest.
Austin Hodge, Point Cook
Another player with a connection to the Gippsland Power who arrives at the Dogs. Hodge also has spent time with Footscray VFL, Blackburn and Buchan.
Cooper McPharlane, Sunshine
The exciting forward arrives from Roxburgh Park in the EDFL where he has previously earned Team of the Year honours.
Lucas Rocci, Werribee Districts
The 2019 Morrish Medal winner will return to the reigning premier on a full-time basis next season. He had been playing VFL footy and also spent time with Aberfeldie in the EDFL.
Tristen Waack, Altona
Spent time on Box Hill’s VFL list this season, the 20-year-old from Morwell will slot into the midfield.
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