WRFL 2019: Defender Drew Vincent returns to Parkside

Parkside has signed three premiership players this off-season, with a star defender returning to the WRFL Division 2 club after a year interstate.

Drew Vincent in action for Parkside. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Parkside stalwart Drew Vincent has returned to the WRFL Division 2 club after a season interstate in a significant boost.

The 2014 premiership player spent last year with Centrals Trinity Beach in Cairns, managing 19 senior games and earning three mentions in the best.

While Vincent only played one senior game for the Magpies in 2017 because of work commitments, coach Chris Muratore said the experienced defender was a “massive” addition.

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“I’m best mates with Drewy and he went up to Cairns to get away for something different,” Muratore said.

“Since he’s been back, he hasn’t missed a session. Just his knowledge around the group, he’s been there and done that.

“He’s played over 200 games of senior footy, played quality footy and is a big body.”

Vincent is a versatile backman who can limit the impact of an opposition key forward or play a rebounding role off halfback.

He has been a consistent performer for Parkside at senior level for about a decade and looms as a key figure in the club’s bid to back up last season’s finals appearance in the second tier.

“Last year we probably lacked that guy who could come across and help other defenders out,” Muratore said.

“That was a big focus for us — to get that big body down there who can take that mark when you need it and give us some drive.

“Being a big boy, he’s a pretty intimidating fella when he’s around. Other sides have been intimidated by him, so that factor sort of gives us a bit of an edge.”

Premiership players Matt Chen and Joey Jamieson have also returned, while Jesse McLellan (Sunshine), John Atar (Maribyrnong Park) and Daniel Thomas (Byron Magpies, NSW) are others to sign on.

Riley O’Shea, who kicked 27 goals from 17 games last season, is the only departure of note.

The Magpies advanced to the preliminary final in Division 2 last year after claiming the 2017 Division 3 flag.

“We took a massive step last year as a footy team and footy club,” Muratore said.

“We just want to continue that improvement. We’ve ticked boxes recruitment wise and plugged the holes we really wanted to.”

Parkside will face Newport in the opening round on April 6.

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