VFL 2019: Former GWS and Hawthorn midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke signs with Northern Blues
Northern Blues have added another ex-AFL player to their list as the club looks to return to VFL finals for the first time since 2011.
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Northern Blues have added another ex-AFL player to their list as the club looks to return to VFL finals for the first time since 2011.
The Blues have followed the signings of former Sydney defender Alex Johnson and Western Bulldogs player Kieran Collins by bringing in midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke from Hawthorn.
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The 24-year-old played 21 games in six AFL seasons after he was chosen by Greater Western Sydney with pick no. 2 in the 2012 draft.
“We probably can’t oversell just how happy we are to welcome him to our club,” Blues general manager Ben Brennan said.
“He was the player the club and the coaches wanted and we’re absolutely thrilled he’ll be pulling on the Northern Blues jumper in 2019.”
While he only featured in 12 matches for the Hawks, O’Rourke brings considerable experience at state league level to Princes Park.
O’Rourke played more than 50 games for Box Hill Hawks and was part of three VFL finals campaigns.
He featured in 18 matches last year including the club’s grand final triumph over Casey Demons, averaging more than 20 disposals.
“We know his abilities as a midfielder, which was an area we really wanted to strengthen this year,” Brennan said.
“With (captain) Tom Wilson and Sam Fisher, we think Jono adds to that and forms part of a strong, core group.
“He’s had experience on the biggest stage which our club hasn’t had in recent times, but it’s where we want to be and we’re confident he’ll play a really big role in getting us there.”
Vice-captains Mason Blakey, Marcus Stavrou and Kane Keppell, former Sydney player Fisher and ex-Port Adelaide forward Jesse Palmer headline the club’s re-signings.
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