Balwyn best and fairest Charlie Haley to return to VAFA
With the Eastern league season scrapped, top Tiger Charlie Haley is keen to go back for a run at his first club, De La Salle.
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With the Eastern league season scrapped, brilliant Balwyn forward Charlie Haley wants to return to the VAFA.
The 25-year-old has received permission from the Tigers to join his former club De La Salle for the second half of the Premier B season, should it go ahead.
He had been linked with Premier power Collegians.
Haley will train tonight with De La, who were relegated last season but have quickly strengthened their squad.
“I’ve spoken to Balwyn and they’re all good with me going there and coming back,’’ he said last night.
“So that’s the plan. If VAFA play, that’s where I’ll be.
“They (Balwyn) are just happy for me to play footy. It’s my home club, De La, and it felt right to go back there for a few games.’’
Haley attended De La Salle College and went through the football club’s Under 19s and then seniors.
He played a season in Cairns, joined North Ringwood when he returned to Melbourne, and crossed to Balwyn in 2018.
“A few clubs … that’s why I thought I’d better go back to De La,’’ Haley said with a chuckle.
“Looking forward to having a kick and getting fit again.’’
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Haley had a superb 2019 season, slotting 60 goals from 21 matches, including a bag of eight against North Ringwood.
He won the Tigers’ best and fairest from Kris Pendlebury, was named in the EFL team of the year, and has since been named Balwyn’s vice-captain.
De La Salle president Matthew O’Callaghan said the club was pleased to regain Haley, whose brother Harry has also returned.
Vermont champion Brett Eddy is also likely to join the VAFA if its season gets underway.
The 2019 league medal winner and former Port Adelaide AFL player has been sounded out by Collegians and the promoted Caulfield Grammarians.
The VAFA said last week that it was working with AFL Victoria to implement a permit system for players coming in from other competitions.