VAFA: Jonathan O’Rourke joins rush of former AFL players to amateurs
The ex-Giant and Hawk has joined Caulfield Grammarians as the Fielders prepare for a return to Premier ranks.
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Caulfield Grammarians will go into VAFA Premier in 2020 with a prize recruit – former AFL player Jonathan O’Rourke.
The 25-year-old is the latest ex-league player to join the ranks of the amateur competition’s highest grade.
The midfielder was with the Northern Blues in the VFL this year.
Taken at No 2 in the 2012 national draft, O’Rourke played nine AFL games with GWS from 2013-14 before crossing to Hawthorn.
His four years with the Hawks produced another 13 AFL appearances.
In a statement to members, Caulfield Grammarians said: “We believe Jon’s experience in successful footy clubs and the standards he will bring to our midfield group and developing players will be a great opportunity for our club to continue striving for sustained success in A Grade.
“Jon is a good friend to a number of Fieldsmen and we look forward to welcoming Jon and his partner Kate to the club.’’
O’Rourke played 15 games for the Northern Blues and was named in the best three times.
He averaged 14.9 disposals.
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Caulfield Grammarians have also locked in former Port Melbourne VFL and Oakleigh Chargers TAC Cup player Mitch Woods, who is coming off a best-and-fairest season with Noosa Tigers, and WA amateur Dane Crognale.
The midfielder won his club’s best and fairest and was third in the league medal this year.
Crognale had a stint with Swan Districts in the WAFL in 2015.
In another boost, young ruckman Will Kennedy, who has joined Frankston Dolphins in the VFL, has nominated GC as his home club.
Kennedy won the Western Jets’ best and fairest this year.
Grammarians thrashed Old Scotch in this year’s Premier B grand final to gain passage to Premier in what will be the club’s 100th year.
It has unveiled a centenary jumper for the occasion, saying the strip “looks back to our origins in 1920 with the club logo on the centre of the jumper while the hoops around the neck and arms return’’.
“The jumper will be worn by all teams for the 2020 season only. It will be presented to all players at a special centenary jumper ceremony on Sunday, March 29, 20020.’’