Uni Blues land James Stewart among other major signings

A VAFA Premier Division contender has bolstered its playing list with another ex-AFL name as its list of potential ins continues to grow. See all their moves.

James Stewart in action. Photo: Michael Klein

University Blues are building an impressive list to go deeper in 2024.

The VAFA Premier Division club has signed a raft of ex-AFL and state league talents as they look to improve on last season’s preliminary final loss.

Former Essendon and GWS key position swingman James Stewart is among the latest arrivals after his transfer was officially lodged.

After crossing from the Giants at the end of the 2016 season, Stewart produced a career best year for the Bombers in 2017 booting 22 goals in a three-tall forward line.

His last two years at AFL level were hampered by injury.

He won’t be the only former AFL man at the club either with Sam Hayes, fresh off his exit from Port Adelaide, giving the Blues one of the most impressive recruits of the season.

Hayes played 11 games for the Power including four last year.

AFL - Port Adelaide training at Alberton Oval. Sam Hayes and Charlie Dixon. Sam Hayes (pictured), may not play on the weekend due to the expected wet conditions and Charlie Dixon is returning after playing in the SANFL the last couple of weeks after recovering from injury. 27 May 2022. Picture Dean Martin

Former Collingwood VFL midfielder Matt Smith is also among the recruits after he joined from Heidelberg ahead of the new season.

Hamish Yunghanns has joined from Kyneton in the Bendigo league along with Thomas Quinn who returns to the club after a stint with the Tigers.

Jack Whitehead has arrived from Aberfeldie in the Essendon District league.

No players who played senior footy last year are currently listed on the VAFA’s transfer portal as seeking a move away from the club.

Uni Blues opens its 2024 campaign away from home against Old Brighton on Saturday, April 13.

EVERY UNI BLUES TRANSFER

James Stewart,

Essendon (AFL Mens)

Jackson Jamieson, Lorne

Corey Griffin, Geelong West Giants (AFL Barwon FNL)

Lewis Freeman, East Malvern Junior Football Club (SMJFL)

Luca Di Lallo, Camberwell JFC

Billy Furphy, Caulfield Grammarians

Jack Whitehead, Aberfeldie (EDFL)

Luca Giusti, Old Geelong

Thomas Quinn, Kyneton Football Club

Jack Hayter, Norwood (South Australia National Football League (SANFL)

Hamish Yunghanns, Kyneton Football Club

Matthew Young, Berwick Football Club (Eastern Football Netball League)

Rudy Webster, South Fremantle (West Australian Football League (WAFL))

Matthew Smith, Heidelberg (NFNL)

Oliver Sleiman, St Marys (AFL Barwon FNL)

Archie Sinnott, Newtown & Chilwell

Sebastian Sergi, Boroondara Hawks JFC

Jack Richards, Redan Football Netball Club (Ballarat Football League)

Jordan Muhor, St Josephs (AFL Barwon FNL)

Jamie Lloyd, Koroit Football Netball Club Inc

Sam Hayes, Port Adelaide (AFL Mens)

Stanley Brentnall, Lockington Bamawm United Football Club

Flynn Angus, Whitehorse Pioneers (Eastern Football Netball League)