Parkside continues WRFL signing spree

Parkside has landed one of the best signings of the WRFL off-season after securing a VFL gun. Here's how it played out.

Jean-Luc-Velissaris has aligned with Parkside for the 2024 season.

Parkside's busy off-season is only getting better.

The Magpies have unveiled arguably their biggest signing of the season with VFL midfielder Jean-Luc Velissaris aligning with the club for next season.

A Team of the Year member in 2023, Velissaris will remain with the Northern Bullants for the 2024 season but could pull on the black and white when the time allows.

Parkside coach Chris Muratore said he had got to know the star Bullant through his work with the club as an assistant coach in 2023.

"We developed a really good relationship, we got on like a house on fire," he said.

"I pretty much asked for his help down at Parkside and he was willing to do that, getting him on board was as easy as that really. His still focused on doing everything he can to get drafted and that's 100 per cent fair enough.

"We want to be known as a club where someone had played before they were drafted. Getting someone of JL's quality on board shows we're on the right path to attracting high quality players.

"We want to be a space where players can come and continue developing their footy at a high level."

Last week, the Magpies also confirmed the signing of key defender Ethan Henley from Hoppers Crossing.

Muratore said having mates at the club played a key role in getting him across the line.

"Ethan fits in with our back six really well," Muratore said.

"We feel really comfortable with the group we've got down there at the moment. They're going to be under more pressure than last year, we understand that coming into A-Grade.

"But they're all at a good age and we think we've got something sustainable."

Parkside also recently confirmed Muratore would have a co-coach in Michael Licciardo for next season.

Licciardo is a 2014 premiership player with Parkside.

EARLIER

The look of Parkside’s 2024 team is starting to become clearer.

Just days after announcing the signing of EDFL star Tom Condon, the Magpies have unveiled four more new faces as they prepare for a return to Division 1 of the WRFL.

The quartet is headlined by Ethan Mantas who crosses from Caroline Springs after he spent time with the Northern Bullants in the VFL this season.

In his final VFL game this season against the GWS Giants, Mantas recorded 27 disposals.

Joining him will be Luke Gauci who is preparing to return to the club after time away from Henry Turner Reserve.

Wyndhamvale ruckman Jesse Shell is also making the up after an impressive season for the Falcons.

Charlie Di Stefano arrives from Airport West after just one season after previously playing for Shepparton United.

EARLIER

Parkside wanted to mark its return to the WRFL top flight with a big fish and it has done exactly that.

The Magpies have welcomed the EDFL’s leading goalkicker, Tom Condon, to the club for the 2024 season as they look to not “just make up the numbers” according to coach Chris Muratore.

Condon arrives with a strong reputation after booting 67 goals in 19 games this season after returning to the Mores after time in the SANFL.

Muratore said there was a clear goal in mind when it came to landing the 26-year-old.

“We were keen to land a big fish, someone that will cause plenty of headaches for opposition teams,” he said.

“We had existing connections to Tom and after we sat down for the first time it all happened pretty quickly. We had a barbecue at my place with a few of the boys where we introduced him and outlined what our plans were.

“He’s going to be quite a unique match up. His ability in the air means he probably needs to play on a tall but once it hits the ground a smaller defender is probably better suited to him.”

Tom Condon (left) looms as an exciting recruit for Parkside. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Condon’s arrival won’t be the last either with Muratore forecasting several other exciting recruits to be announced in the coming weeks.

He said the club had all but finished its recruiting drive after they had aimed to have it all wrapped up before pre-season started on November 15.

“It’s probably been a little bit easier being in Division 1,” he said.

“Potential recruits know what to expect more in Division 1 of the WRFL. We’ve been aiming to bring in some real high quality recruits who can help us make an immediate impact.

“We’ve managed to cement our list from the premiership so we’re in a really good position.”