VAFA off-season tracker: All the latest coaching and player moves

The VAFA off-season is well underway with clubs already making coaching and player moves for the 2024 season. Here’s every announcement across Division 1 to 3 so far.

The Mitchell brothers will play together for Old Yarra Cobras.

VAFA clubs are in full swing making moves to plan for the 2024 season.

Leader Local Footy will be across all the moves from Division 1 to Division 3.

Here’s everything that has happened so far.

SEE EVERY LISTED CLEARANCE BELOW

DIVISION 1

PRAHRAN

Caleb Ernst: The versatile tall is expected to play inside forward 50 after joining from Strathfieldsaye. He also has previous experience with the Bendigo Pioneers.

Coaching announcement: Craige Milward has been named as the club’s new senior coach. He was recently a senior assistant with Frankston VFL.

KEW

Coaching announcement: Bryan “Jack” Cole has been named as the club’s new coach. He has experience across several different clubs.

OLD YARRA COBRAS

Ben Makowski: Joins from Alexandra in the Outer East league and can play all across the ground.

Ryan Pollard: A former senior best and fairest who returns to the club after a year away.

Ayden Sukkel: A former Cobras captain who returns to the club.

Cruz Robinson: Has made his way across to the Cobras from Warrandyte Junior Football Club.

Max Parkes: Able to play at either end of the ground, Parkes is a former Yarra Valley Grammar sports captain.

James Strauss: The ex-AFL player, who featured 24 times for Melbourne, joins mates at the Cobras. Has previously played for St Kevin

Ash Goldsmith: Known as a smooth mover with great ball use and a high IQm the midfielder joins after spending the last two seasons with Templestowe.

Tom Mitchell: Has previously represented Tasmania during his time with Wynyard in 2015 and has experience in the VAFA with Kew. Joins his brother, Mitchell at the club.

DIVISION 2

ST MARY’S SALESIAN

Tim Ryan: Featured for Swinburne University in 2022 where he booted 29 goals in 10 games.

Sam Briggs: Spent 2023 travelling and is now returning to footy after previously playing for St Kevin’s.

St Mary's Salesian have been busy on the recruiting front.

Nick Dekas: Previously spent time with Heidelberg in the Northern league. Dekas will play across half-forward and in the middle.

Jeremy Bourke: Expected to slot in across halfback and also spent time in the middle after crossing from St Kevin’s.

Spencer Hamilton: Joins the club from Old Carey.

AQUINAS

Sam Nix: The midfielder joins after a two-year stint with Western Footscray in the WRFL.

Daniel Fitzsimons: A halfback flanker or wingman who arrives from Donvale.

Joel Donker: Joins from Whitehorse Pioneers and will play in defence.

Jack Bell: An in and under midfielder who joins after stints at Montrose and Coldstream.

Sam Thorsen: The leading forward arrives as a player also capable of playing on the wing.joins from Whitehorse Pioneers

Alex Mantel: Returns to the field after a couple of years away. Previously earned a reputation as a goalkicker.

Andy Reyment: Returning to the club where he has earned a reputation as a key defender with outstanding closing speed.

Cal Pedretti: The ruckman and key defender will return to the club next season.

DIVISION 3

BOX HILL NORTH

Cooper Applegate: A mobile ruckman who last played for Mt Evelyn.

Toby Love: Crosses from Aquinas where he earned a reputation as a defensive midfielder.

CANTERBURY

Coaching announcement: Josh Ward has taken over the top job from Michael Topp who has stepped back into a playing role only.

RICHMOND CENTRAL

Coaching announcement: Michael Motta has been confirmed as the club’s new coach. He enjoyed a player career with Avondale Heights (EDFL) and Braybrook (WRFL) before his career was cut short by concussion.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

Coaching announcement: Andy Castles has been appointed as the club’s new senior coach. He takes over from Ricky Nolan.

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY

Coaching announcement: Johnny Andrinopoulos has been announced as the club’s senior coach. He played for the Redbacks between 1998 and 2006.

ST JOHN’S

Anthony McKeever: Expected to add to the club’s forward line.

Dylan Webb: Another former player returning to the club after time away with Keysborough. He was named at fullback in the club’s Team of the Decade.

Brandon Mather: Another recruit from Keysborough, Mather will hold down a place in defence.

Tim Werner: Joins as a playing assistant coach from Keysborough.

Chris Lavery: Looking to discover his best footy after several years cruelled by injury.

Matt Carnelley: An experienced forward who has kicked over 1000 goals in his senior career.

Matt Carnelley playing for Keysborough.

Nathan McConchie: Returns to the sport after a couple of years away after previous experience with Moorabbin.

Jayden Rudd: A versatile player from Tyabb who follows in the footsteps of his father in playing for the club.

Laurence Lazinoti: Another returning face who can play across several positions.

Bahaa Khoweiss: A hard running midfielder who is returning to the club.

Ben Robson: A lockdown defender who arrives from Templestowe.

George Lazaridis: Joins from Keysborough where he has spent the last decade. Will play in the middle.

Callum Houghton: Crosses from Rowville in the Eastern league and is expected to play a key role in the midfield.

Mitch Barry: The key defender won a reputation as a star at Keysborough. He was a star junior basketballer.

Tim Siposs: The 26-year-old joins from Keysborough and is known for his “silky skills”.

Dan Abou-Karroum: The club said he is “one of the toughest” to pull on their jumper and returns from Keysborough.

Michael Ashman: The key position forward arrives from Keysborough but also has experience with Hampton.

Josh Mourant: One of several former players set to return to the club. Described as a “much loved” figure.

Coaching announcement: Tim Edwards has been named as the club’s new coach as he prepares to return from Keysborough.

MASALA

Nick Parker: Joins the club for the 2024 season and is expected to provide plenty of athleticism.

Adam Redenbach: A fresh face at the club who has impressed during pre-season.

Coaching announcement: Luke Broomhall has been named as playing coach for next year. This year was his first season with the club.