Local footy 2021: Former VFL star Wade Lees signs at Deer Park

Wade Lees, who made headlines almost a decade ago when his AFL dream was quashed by an 18-month ban, will play local footy in 2021 — and he’s among 12 fresh faces at his new club.

Deer Park recruit Wade Lees during his days in the VFL.

Former VFL star Wade Lees will return to local football this season after four years in the US chasing a career as a punter.

Lees made headlines almost a decade ago when he copped an 18-month ban for attempted use of a prohibited substance.

Wade Lees was once a rising star at VFL level.

Australian Customs intercepted a fat-burning product Lees had purchased from the US which contained traces of a banned steroid, with the suspension cruelling Lees’ AFL dream.

He was a rising star with the Casey Scorpions at the time and joined Frankston in 2014 after his penalty had been served.

But his ambition to compete at the elite level took him overseas, with Lees committing to University of Maryland on a student-athlete scholarship.

He returned to Melbourne late last year and has linked up with Western Region Football League power Deer Park.

Lees is among three significant recruits to arrive at the Lions, with ex-Collingwood rookie Mitch McCarthy and former Port Melbourne-listed VFL player Brent Fairley also signing on.

While Lees has not played football for several years, Deer Park coach Mark McGoldrick pointed to his recruit’s talent as a punter and lauded his “elite” kicking ability.

Lees played alongside Lions playing assistant coach Brendan Fevola at Casey, while close friend Todd Elton helped seal his signature.

Brendan Fevola is back at Deer Park as a playing assistant coach. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Lees will also be a one-point player because he has not played competitive football in more than three years.

He will be an important addition for the seven-time Division 1 reigning premier in the midfield — where he made his name in the state league ranks.

“It fell into our hands,” McGoldrick said.

“He’s a good mate of Todd Elton. Before Christmas Todd came to me and said Wade was back from America and he was looking to play local footy.

“There’s no big expectations on him — he hasn’t played for three years — but to our advantage he comes in as a one-pointer.

“For us to get a player of that ilk, he’s 31 years of age … we’re very young and he’s going to give us a lot of experience and comes in with low points. It’s a huge advantage for us.

“He’s been training since October when he got back, so he’s very keen. It’s a big get for us.”

Ruckman McCarthy remains listed at Port Melbourne and will use Deer Park as his feeder club.

Mitch McCarthy goes up in the ruck for Frankston. Picture: Valeriu Campan

But McGoldrick expects to see plenty of the No.7 pick in the 2016 rookie draft who went on to represent Frankston.

McCarthy is expected to help fill the void of champion big man Chris Stewart, who has crossed to Essendon District league side East Keilor.

Scott Greenhough will be the Lions’ No.1 ruckman, supported by McCarthy and Elton.

“He’s had a bit of knee tendinitis, so he’ll probably spend a bit of time with us this year you’d think,” McGoldrick said.

“But from a long-term point of view, the program we’ve undertaken is to get younger people into the club. He’s only 22, so hopefully we can keep him around the club and if things ever don’t work out in the VFL, each year he drops a point which is important.

“We see him as a long-term replacement for big Stewy. We hope he is anyway.”

Defender Fairley also bring plenty of experience, having had stints with Spotswood, Girgaree and Kyabram, along with a time in the VFL.

He will help cover the exit of key backman Jackson Barling.

“He’s the centre half-back we’ve been looking for,” McGoldrick said.

“Prior to getting him, we were looking at having to play one of the younger blokes in that position like a Bailey Morrish or someone like that, but he can fill that key role and allow some of our younger blokes to play on the outside.”

The Lions have had 12 players arrive since the end of the 2019 campaign, with Fevola, Elton, Morrish (VFL-listed), Billy Cannolo, Damien Cavka, PJ Manivong, Nick Alekovski, Ryley Barrack and Lachlan Smart the other new faces.

“The aim was not to fall off the mountain and we don’t think we’ll do that. We certainly think we’ll be competitive with the aim of playing finals,” McGoldrick said.

“We know we’re not where we were, it’ll take time to get back, but we think we’ve got all the building blocks in place for a competitive future.”

Deer Park will tackle Caroline Springs away from home in Round 1 on April 10.