WRFL 2021 clearances: All the latest player movements

Several big names have linked with WRFL clubs since clearances re-opened ahead of the 2021 season. Here are all the big moves.

Nick Graham has put pen to paper with Spotswood: Picture: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

Western Region Football League clubs have been busy bolstering their lists ahead of the first bounce next month.

Amid cuts to the salary cap, transfer action in the weeks leading up to the new season was expected to be quieter than usual.

It has been anything but, with several big names putting pen to paper with WRFL clubs since transfers re-opened in February.

While some moves have been reported previously, we’ve wrapped up all the significant clearances to have come through in recent weeks.

DIVISION 1

Perennial contender Spotswood has landed the biggest recruiting coup since transfers re-opened, signing ex-AFL midfielder Nick Graham.

Graham, who spent six years on Carlton’s list and made 48 appearances at the top level, had signed with West Footscray for the cancelled 2020 season.

Western Bulldogs premiership defender Fletcher Roberts will also take the field for the Woodsmen when not selected in Port Melbourne’s VFL side.

Classy midfielder Nayef Hamad, who last played for Spotswood in 2018 before crossing to Werribee Districts, is also set to return. Hamad is listed with Footscray.

Sunshine has also landed some key signings as Heath Scotland prepares for his first season at the helm.

The inclusions are headlined by Nick’s brother Brian Graham, who is a three-time league best-and-fairest winner in the North Gippsland competition and spent three seasons under Scotland at Darley.

Brian Graham is a big inclusion for Sunshine. Picture: Mark Wilson

Dominic Iermano and Haydn Hector have also joined the Kangaroos, while Belal Abou-Eid and Darren Haby have returned.

Yarraville-Seddon, which claimed the Division 2 premiership in 2019, has also been busy as it looks to establish itself in the top grade under WRFL great Brad Julier.

The Eagles have secured Jesse Glass-McCasker (also listed with Footscray VFL) and talented forward Archi Manton, who is the son of ex-AFL defender Glenn.

Ex-SANFL listed Josh Wills and Jack Cattanach are other noteworthy ins.

Michael Barlow has also put in a clearance to join the club but it is not known if he will play given his commitments as Werribee coach.

Michael Barlow was appointed Yarraville-Seddon’s coach before taking on the top job at Werribee. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Kevin Upton, Owen King, Michael Tsaloukis, James Backway have departed Yarraville-Seddon, while Andrejs Everitt and Majok Aneet have attempted to exit, with their clearance requests so far denied.

Williamstown VFL defender Nick Sing has aligned with Hoppers Crossing and will be a major asset for Steve Kretiuk’s side when available, while his VFL teammate Luke Meadows will use Point Cook as his feeder club.

St Albans has secured Bol Kolang and Majok Ngong from Wyndhamvale, while Bill Sam has arrived from Redland Bombers in the defunct NEAFL. Nathan Wallace has departed.

Seven-time reigning premier Deer Park continues to reload as it prepares to roll out a new-look side, with ex-Collingwood rookie Mitch McCarthy and former Port Melbourne-listed VFL player Brent Fairley also signing on.

2019 grand finalist Altona has secured the return of Jordon Allen, while Connor Brien has arrived from Division 2 outfit Point Cook Centrals.

The experienced Lee Spiteri and 2020 recruit Chris Giampaolo have moved on.

Werribee Districts has lost Morrish medallist Lucas Rocci, while Judah Dundon is also attempting to exit. Jackson Menaude has signed from Point Cook Centrals.

Caroline Springs have waved goodbye to Jakob De Winter, Thomas Brownbridge and Troy Manolis, while Patrick Veszpremi was cleared to the Lakers last month from Hoppers Crossing before ultimately deciding to play for Essendon District league power Keilor.

DIVISION 2

Parkside will enter the 2021 campaign among the leading premiership contenders after securing Central Highlands league best-and-fairest winner Brad Graham.

Campbell has arrived at the Magpies as a playing assistant coach for the midfield after spending 2019 with Ballarat league outfit Melton, where he earned eight mentions in the best from 18 games and kicked 23 goals.

The experienced John Zangari, who has booted 78 goals from 30 goals for Division 3 side Tarneit in the past two seasons has also arrived.

On the negative side, Jack Tate and Josh Shaw have moved on.

North Footscray has been boosted by the return of 2019 best-and-fairest winner Sam Denby-Blake, who had signed with East Malvern for 2020.

Sam Denby-Blake is back at North Footscray. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Joel Richardson and Aaron Smith are also back, while ruckman James Carey has crossed from coach David Battistella’s former club East Keilor.

In addition to losing the Graham brothers, West Footscray has also farewelled David Ismail, who bagged 22 goals from 16 games in 2019.

Point Cook Centrals have also lost Matt Turner, while senior regular Mitchell Ferrie is a key out at Newport.

DIVISION 3

Tarneit has welcomed Michael Jubb, who was named in the Division 2 Team of the Year in 2018 as a Manor Lakes player.

But Zangari, Aaron Molivas and James Poutney have exited.

Braybrook forward Ricky Howell has moved to Division 3 rival Sunshine Heights, while Mark Nikolic has also arrived at the Dragons from EDFL club Northern Saints.