VAFA: Ex-Bomber Tom Cutler leads Blues replacements for top retirees

University Blues has lost almost all its players from their 2019 premiership side after several retirements last season. But here’s who they have signed to fill the void.

University Blues has added another ex-AFL player to its list ahead of the VAFA season with former Essendon defender Tom Cutler joining Martin Gleeson at the Premier club.

The recruit of the 27-year-old comes after the Uni Blues escaped relegation last year following a penalty by the Association which lost the 164-year-old almost all their points midway through the season.

Cutler played 87 matches in his AFL career with Essendon and Brisbane.

He will join the third oldest football club in Australia fresh out of the national league where he played nine games in his final season with the Bombers in 2022.

Tom Cutler playing for the Bombers last season. Photo by Michael Klein

A club official confirmed Cutler would be deemed a one point player as he graduated from the University of Melbourne.

The recruit of the former Trinity Grammar student came about through his connection with former Bomber half back Martin Gleeson who joined the Blues last season.

Cutler was also lured to the Blues due to the fact he had potential employment opportunities and other friends at the club.

The inclusion of Cutler to the Blues is pending on a successful clearance which looms likely of happening.

Dane Crognale has also joined the Blues after playing for Caulfield Grammarians in 2022. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It comes as the club has also picked up ex-WAFL midfielder Dane Crognale from fellow VAFA Premier club Caulfield.

The recruit of Crognale, a former vice-captain of WAFL club Swan Athletic, came about through his new employer in construction management who was a supporter of the Blues.

The Blues have had four players retire from the club’s 2019 premiership side since the end of last season including 200 gamer Patrick Hays.

Hays was the 10th player to play 200 games for the Blues and was a member of the 2019 premiership side.

Former North Melbourne midfielder Kieran Harper also decided to hang up the boots.

Joe McCula and Ben Capra have also retired, leaving the club with less than five active players from the premiership winning side in 2019.

James Carr is another departure from the 2019 side but he is expected to continue playing in Geelong where he has relocated.

University Blues celebrate with the trophy after the VAFA Premier Grand Final against St Kevin's in 2019. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Blues have also lost ex-Melbourne AFL footballer Jay Kennedy Harris to Old Camberwell.

The 27-year-old was recruited to the Blues in 2020 but only played a handful of games due to injury.

In season 2023, the Blues are set to play their round 6 clash against Collegians on Sunday and newly promoted Premier club University Blacks will play their round 11 clash against St Kevin’s on Sunday as well.

The initiative to play the matches on Sunday comes as both clubs provide fellow University Oval tenant Melbourne University Women’s with the opportunity to play on Saturday to celebrate Pride day and Indigenous Round.