WFNL Division 2: How West Footscray’s new recruits are thriving

West Footscray has made an impressive start to 2025 and despite some injury concerns, there’s plenty of positives including two last minute recruits. See all the talking points from WFNL Division 2.

West Footscray's leadership group. Photo: West Footscray FB.

West Footscray coach Troy Beamond had a clear plan during his side’s off-season to bring in an experienced supporting cast.

After a horror run with injury last season, the Roosters have been touted as the WFNL Division 2’s big improver this season.

And already the signs are positive after a 2-0 start including a 45-point win over Braybrook.

New faces throughout pre-season included Dylan Appleby, Blake Brigham, Damian Furlong, Mitch Grubb, Jai Haines, Johny Ho, and Giovanni Raffaele.

Beamond said he was pleased with the immediate impact they’ve had.

“We’ve got heaps of young fellas and we need some experienced heads around them,” he said.

“Being so young, we can still have those up and down moments but we’re working through that.

“Matt Grubb is a really young captain and he’s playing some really good footy to start the season. He and Sam Hall across halfback were superb on Saturday.”

West Footscray captain Matt Grubb. Photo: West Footscray FB.

Two more new faces landed at the Roosters just as Beamond was finalising his plans for this year.

Pat Long made the move from Maldon while Buckley Chapman crossed from Sunshine.

“They were bonus recruits,” he said.

“Pat is the cousin of our ruckman Chris who has been here for a couple of seasons now. He gives us some more size.

“We got Buckley cleared on the Thursday night before Round 1. He’s come in and played a wing role for us to start the year.

“Getting these guys across is more a reflection on the playing group we’ve got at the moment and the welcoming environment we have.”

Against Braybrook, Young forward Tom Stelluto continued his brilliant start to the season with seven goals, to go along with the five he kicked against Laverton.

Beamond said he was starting to “really discover” what he could do as he nears 40 senior games of experience.

“He’s about 6’3 and 90-odd kilos,” he said.

“I think he’s really going to benefit from playing with the likes of Giovanni Raffaele and Dylan Appleby, experienced guys who have come into the club.

“A better spread of goalkickers is going to benefit us.”

Buckley Chapman when he was playing at Sunshine. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Roosters now turn their attention to a local derby against North Footscray on Anzac Day in a test of their finals credentials.

“Going two from two at the start of the season was one of our focuses heading into the year.

“It makes it a happier place to be than if you’re 0-2. Michael Oddie, one of our leadership group members, missed all of last season with a knee injury and he hurt his other knee in a practice match.

“Jai Haines one of our big recruits twisted his knee in a praccy and we thought ‘here we go again’ but he played his first game of the year on the weekend which was a massive relief.”

RETURNING AND NEW FACES LIFT FALCONS

In a test against another finals aspirant, Wyndhamvale proved why it’s the premiership favourite with a 39-point win over North Footscray. Connor Yeoell was best afield in his first game of the season as Noah Cooney returned to the senior side with two goals. Off-season recruits and young duo Brock Jones and Jordan Leggieri booted a couple as they were named in the best.

THE WRIGHT STUFF

Suns recruit Matt Wright has proven to a be an impressive acquisition early in the season from Point Cook Centrals. The midfielder has impressed in two straight games and thrived in his side’s 47-point win over Laverton. The Suns had a good balance of goalkickers as Patty Hynes and John Tomelty led the way with three apiece.

Matthew Wright has made an impressive start with the Suns.

RAMS ON THE BOARD

Western Rams bounced back from an opening round defeat with a 114-point win over Tarneit. It was a performance built on the back of a huge second term where the home side booted 10 goals to one. The impressive Jared Scott was best afield with five goals while Connor Korras also booted a handful. Pleasingly for the Rams coaching staff, new players Braiden Gale, Jack James, Korras and Will Markovski were all among the best.

ALBANVALE’S PERFECT START

The Cobras are 2-0 to start the season after overcoming Sunshine Heights by 49 points. Matt Taylor was a strong target up forward with six goals while Corey Field, Nathan Ranno, Daniel Montrose, Jacob Reeve, Nathan Calleja and Jye Kotoski were named among the best. Zachary Papamihail kicked a goal in his senior debut.