WRFL 2021: Yarraville-Seddon signs Manton, looks to retain Everitt
Coach Brad Julier gives an update on the WRFL club’s recruits and its fight to retain a star player.
Western
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Yarraville-Seddon has secured a strong list of recruits and is attempting to retain former AFL player Andrejs Everitt as it sets its sights on a competitive showing in the Western Region Football League’s top flight.
Coach Brad Julier, who was appointed to the top job in January after Michael Barlow scored Werribee’s VFL coaching gig, said he was pleased with his squad and hopeful there would be more additions.
The Eagles qualified for the Division 2 grand final for a fourth consecutive year in 2019 and toppled Wyndhamvale to earn promotion.
Archi Manton, the son of former AFL defender Glenn, has put pen to paper with Yarraville-Seddon.
Manton is a raw talent having focused on his basketball as a youngster, but he impressed for Western Jets in Victoria’s top under-age competition two years ago, bagging 28 goals from 15 games.
He also kicked 11 majors from three games for Williamstown CYMS in the VAFA.
Manton is listed with Werribee and has impressed Barlow at Chirnside Park as he chases a chance at the elite level.
“We may see a lot of him, we may see little of him,” Julier said.
“But we’re just trying to get some footy into him and help him develop. He’s still got AFL aspirations, so trying to play our part in getting him there.
“He’s a big forward who can kick goals and would definitely be of value to us.”
The speedy Josh Wills has arrived from SANFL club Sturt and will bolster the midfield.
“He’s come as an outside mid, but we like him on the inside as well,” Julier said.
“He definitely brings some talent and we’re really excited about what he’s going to do for us.”
Forward/midfielder Jack Cattanach is another key in after signing with country football power Kyabram for 2020.
Cattanach contributed 19 goals from seven games for Hay in 2019, including two bags of four majors or more.
He is playing for Waratah in the Northern Territory and set to take the field in a semi-final fixture on Saturday.
Former Carlton rookie Jesse Glass-McCasker has also joined Yarraville-Seddon as an aligned player when he is not required by Footscray in the state league.
Ben Taylor, who claimed the Ballarat league’s Henderson Medal in 2016, Ned Lanyon, Mitchell Eade and Angus Eaton have recommitted after linking with the Eagles for the 2020 season.
“There are some great kids who are ready for Division 1 already, so just trying to add a bit of maturity to the list,” Julier said.
But the club is fighting to keep hold of assistant coach Everitt, who booted 40 goals from 16 games two years ago.
The ex-Western Bulldogs, Sydney and Carlton player has had two clearances to join Eastern league outfit Park Orchards denied, while Majok Aneet is looking to cross to Sunshine.
Owen King, Michael Tsaloukis and Kevin Upton have departed.
“Andrejs is a tough one to replace at this time of year with his experience and coaching stuff as well,” Julier said.
“The club’s working through that one.
“We gave Maj the freedom to explore his VFL opportunities and somehow ended up at Sunshine. The club is dealing with those ones.
“I’ve left that in the hands of the club and have reached out to both of them.”
Brandon Lester, who has won the past two best-and-fairests, headlines the young guns at Yarraville-Seddon’s disposal.
Lachie Huell, Jack Webster and Blake Green are among other emerging players.
WRFL great Julier said he was confident his team was capable of troubling opposition sides in Division 1.
“We definitely think we’re capable of anything mid-table to maybe pinching a finals spot,” Julier said.
“Obviously there’s a couple of really strong clubs, but Division 1 is as even as it’s been for a long time.
“We think we can get some wins, and then who knows what can happen if we get some confidence in the kids and they get some momentum going. There’s huge potential there.”
The Eagles will face Sunshine in the opening round on April 10.
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