VFL: Former Suns Academy player Fitzroy Greenwool joins Sandringham Zebras

Former Suns Academy player Fitzroy Greenwool headlines a string of newcomers for Sandringham Zebras for the 2022 VFL season.

Fitzroy Greenwool takes a snap for the Gold Coast Suns in a NEAFL match.

Sandringham recruiting manager Josh Vella uses the description often when he refers to Fitzroy Greenwool.

He calls him an “excitement package’’.

The Zebras have signed the 21-year-old former Gold Coast Suns Academy player, a small forward with a splash of speed.

He was a NEAFL Rising Star nomination in 2019 after kicking four goals in a match against NT Thunder.

The NEAFL said Greenwool was from Kowanyama in the Gulf of Carpentaria and relocated to Cairns as a teenager.

He made his senior debut for the Cairns Saints in 2017, linking with the Suns Academy program the following year.

“Likened to Brisbane livewire Charlie Cameron, Greenwool is a gifted forward whose potential is limitless with his trademark dash and creative flare,’’ NEAFL reporter Jess Webster wrote.

Greenwool played eight matches for Shepparton United in the Goulburn Valley league last year, kicking 10 goals, and has reportedly signed with Sunbury Kangaroos as his local club in 2022.

“Really happy to have him on board,’’ Vella said.

“He’s a bit of an excitement package. He’s got a bit of work to do to get himself in condition to play in our Round 1 team.

“But like I said, he’s an excitement package, a small forward who could be anything, really. We can’t wait to see him play some footy this year.

“He’s made the move to Melbourne to see what he can do, and he has a lot of support around him, guys like Nathan Lovett-Murray and Andrew Walker, trying to give him the best opportunity.’’

The Zebras have also secured Jake Lohmann, a strong midfielder from Maryborough who went through the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the NAB League and later had a stint with North Melbourne VFL.

The 22-year-old is the brother of 2021 Brisbane Lions draftee Kai Lohmann.

Nick Hodgson, who was with the Rebels last year, is another Sandy signing.

The tough midfielder – who has been travelling from Swan Hill to train – apparently had some draft interest.

Former Sandringham Dragons Darby Hipwell, Liam Hayes, Will Vesely and Ben Mansfield have made the short move to the Zebras.

Dan Coffield, Sandy’s captain last year, has joined Old Melburnians in the VAFA and is the club’s major loss.

VFL stalwart Sam Dunell is returning in a playing and coaching position.

“He’ll also take up more of a role in the leadership space, both on and off the field,’’ Vella said.

“He’s got great experience in that area. He was in the AFL system, he’s been in the VFL system for a long time and he’s got so much to offer our players. He’ll mentor our leadership group a bit and we’d expect him to play most of the games.’’

Top-liner Goy Lok, Chris Carey, former Gold Coast Sun Mitch Riordan, Tyson Milne and Jack McHale are playing on.