WRFL: All the signings of the 2023-24 off-season

The 2024 Western Football League season is drawing closer. Here’s a look at all the ins across the competition.

The WRFL off-season is well underway with clubs making big moves ahead of next season.

Throughout the next several months, we’ll keep you updated on all the big moves across the competition.

Here’s a look at what’s happened so far.

Plus, see every listed clearance below.

DIVISION 1

WERRIBEE DISTRICTS

Lucas Rocci: The 2019 Morrish Medal winner will return to the reigning premier on a full-time basis next season. He had been playing VFL footy and also spent time with Aberfeldie in the EDFL.

Lucas Rocci is back at Werribee Districts.

POINT COOK

Michael Cilmi: After playing his under-18 footy with Werribee Districts, Cilmi returns to the Bulldogs. He is currently doing a VFL pre-season.

Jock Coates: Arrives from Buchan in the Omeo District league, Coates has also previously played for De La Salle.

Austin Hodge: Another player with a connection to the Gippsland Power who arrives at the club. Hodge also has spent time with Footscray VFL, Blackburn and Buchan.

Ryan Jerera: Returns to Saltwater after time with Redan in the Ballarat league. He is also one of the club’s junior coaches.

Hugh Wales: The Dogs have secured the services of the now former Myrtleford midfielder for next season. At 31, he will provide valuable experience for a young side.

Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Luke Dahlhaus and Luke Denny: The Bulldogs have confirmed the trio are on the move for the 2024 season. Eggmolesse-Smith has moved to the Sunraysia league while Dahlhaus has joined Anakie.

ALTONA

Tristen Waack: Spent time on Box Hill’s VFL list this season, the 20-year-old from Morwell will slot into the midfield.

Hayden Clarke: Set to make the move from Wodonga Raiders where he will have the opportunity to play alongside his brother. A midfielder with VFL experience.

Jake King: The former junior returns to the club after spending time with Yarraville in recent years. Expected to play across halfback and on the wing.

Coaching announcement: Former Geelong and Collingwood star Travis Varcoe has been named as the Vikings new coach. He replaces Corey McCall who stood down at the end of the season. Varcoe was a development coach with the Western Bulldogs in 2023.

YARRAVILLE SEDDON EAGLES

Lincoln Roberts: A midfielder turned forward who crosses from Macedon. The club said he will bring a “competitive spirit and passion”.

Kevin Johnson: A familiar face at the club who returns after several years away.

SPOTSWOOD

Nicholas Wright: Making the move from NSW for work and has already caught the eye as a versatile runner.

Adam Svaljek: Described as a hard running player, he joins from Springbank.

Kyle Stephens: Set to add plenty of speed and skill into Spotswood’s line-up for next season.

Nick Graham: The former AFL player returns to the club where he had previous individual success. With the Woodsmen in 2021, graham won the WRFL MVP and club’s best-and-fairest.

Julian Mosarevski: Described as a winger “with good agility and pace”, Mosarevski arrives from EDFL club Glenroy.

POINT COOK CENTRALS

Rikki Newton: A former VFL player with Footscray who now crosses from Port Melbourne Colts.

Mitchell Laan: A prolific ball winner.

Ethan Stankic: A former junior player who has returned to the club. He recently played with Altona.

Cassius White: A natural footballer who can play anywhere across the ground. Has spent time with Sandringham VFL and Melton South.

Mark Polycarpou: Has experience with EDFL powerhouse Keilor, Polycarpou is an athletic utility who can play across the ground.

Zac Banch: Has named the Sharks as his home club for next year as he spends time on Williamstown’s VFL list. Was a vice-captain at Shepparton Swans.

Domenic De Lia: The former junior returns after spending time with Werribee Districts’ under-18 program.

Matty Davis: Davis’ signing marks a return to Featherbrook Oval having previously played for the club.

Mark Galea: A three-time premiership player with Deer Park, Galea will add plenty of bite to the Sharks midfield.

Pele Manivong: The “highly skilled” midfielder has previously spent time with Camperdown and Deer Park in recent years. According to the Sharks, he has “electric pace” and an “appetite for the contest”.

James McVey: Formerly of Point Cook’s junior program, McVey makes the short move across town to the emerging Sharks.

HOPPERS CROSSING

Mitch Kunigiskis: Hoppers will be his home club after signing with Port Melbourne VFL.

Harry Maguire: Has named the Warriors as his home club after signing on with Port Melbourne in the VFL. A mobile forward.

Jaxon Sardi: A former under-19 premiership player with the Warriors who returns to the club. Known for his ability to hit the scoreboard.

Harley Armstrong-Weston: After missing the 2023 season, the big man will re-join the Warriors in a major boost to their key position stocks.

Jed Anderson: The former AFL midfielder will link up with ex-teammate Polec who has taken over the coaching role.

Coaching announcement: The Warriors have confirmed former three-club AFL veteran Jared Polec as its new coach.

PARKSIDE

Jean-Luc Velissaris: One of the VFL’s best midfielders has aligned with the Magpies for next season.

Ethan Henley: Arrives from Hoppers Crossing for the 2024 season. Will play a key role in defence for the Magpies.

Dean Simmons: Joins from Tullamarine in the EDFL and can play across halfback and half-forward.

John Mona: Another fresh face who will bring “beautiful” skills to Merv Hughes Oval.

Ben Leong: A tough inside midfielder according to the club.

Kane Laidley: A utility capable of playing at both ends of the ground.

Lucas Kyriaziz: Arrives fresh off a best and fairest with Glenroy in the EDFL.

Brody and Jack Varano: The brothers arrive at the Magpies together. Jack will add plenty of speed while Brody has proven to be an exciting half forward.

Jack Condon: A key defender who has played for Strathmore in previous seasons.

O’Neill Moncrief: A midfielder who arrives from Queensland. Described as a player with “super fitness”.

Ethan Langwell: Another former player set to return to the club. Langwell was part of Parkside’s 2014 flag.

Charlie Di Stefano: The Goulburn Valley product moves to the WRFL after a season with Airport West in the EDFL. Plays on the wing and can drift forward.

Luke Gauci: Returns to the club after time away in previous seasons.

Luke Gauci has returned to Parkside. (Picture/Andy Brownbill)

Jesse Shell: The now former Wyndhamvale ruckman joins the Magpies to bolster their big man stocks.

Ethan Mantas: Spent the 2023 season between the Northern Bullants in the VFL and WRFL rivals Caroline Springs. Knows how to find the footy.

Tom Condon: The EDFL’s leading goalkicker in 2023 is on the move to the Magpies. He kicked 67 goals in 19 games this season.

Other signings: Sam De Dousa, Cooper Ellis, Sam De Sousa, Kain Lambley.

DIVISION 2

NEWPORT

Heath, Josh and Trent Rafferty: The three brothers arrive at the Panthers fresh off a stint at Lorne. Josh is a key forward, Heath can play in different positions across the ground while Trent will play as an inside midfielder.

Zach Del Grosso: Joins the Panthers as their first senior recruit of the off-season. He will play in the ruck.

Coaching announcement: Former Seymour and Deer Park star Rodney van Riet has been confirmed as the Panthers’ new senior coach. He will be assisted by Daniel Cooper.

ALBION

Josiah Garisto: Joins the club from Avondale Heights where he played regular Premier Division footy. Was on Essendon’s VFL list in 2022.

Jared Bond: A tough inside midfielder who played in back-to-back reserves flags with Werribee Districts.

Troy Clarke: Expected to play in the middle or up forward, Clarke arrives from Hill End in the Mid Gippsland league.

Juy Cupp: Arrives from St Kilda City where he showed he is capable of playing at both ends of the ground.

Brandyn Di Sisto: Re-joins his junior club after captaining Werribee Districts’ reserves to back-to-back flags.

Josh Bench: The Cats have confirmed the Altona star will return home for the 2024 season. Bench enjoyed a standout career with the Vikings which included a premiership in 2022.

Josh Bench. Pic: George Sal

SUNSHINE

Daniel Castellano: Another returning face who is known for his smarts around goals.

Jarryd Scotland: Another former player returning to the club. Scotland has experience with Werribee Centrals recently.

Ethan Sivijs: Spent the 2023 season with Essendon Doutta Stars and now returns to Sunshine.

Jordan Davis: Back in Sunshine colours after spending the 2023 season in the EDFL. Known for his contested game.

Tom McIntosh: The former Hadfield captain joins the Roos as he prepares to slot into defence.

Nathan Carroll: The impressive key forward crosses from Roxburgh Park.

Cooper McPharlane: The exciting forward arrives from Roxburgh Park in the EDFL where he has previously earned Team of the Year honours.

NORTH FOOTSCRAY

Nick Kennedy: Makes the move from the Colac and District competition.

Brendon Angleton: A former player with Keilor Park and can play across the ground.

Lydon Palamo: Previously played senior footy with Craigieburn and comes from a rugby background.

Tommy Manley: An emerging footballer who will play in the midfield and up forward.

William Ryan: A hard running defender who crosses from Spotswood.

Nick Sotiropoulos: Enjoyed a strong junior career and is ready to establish himself as a midfielder and forward at senior level.

Sebastian Turnbull: Returns to his junior club after recently spending time with Yarraville.

Mitch Donovan: Joins from the state’s northeast where he was a talented basketballer.

Adam Dixon-Galea: Has moved to the local area from South Australia and has spent time in the Adelaide Football League.

Alex Maloney: Has previous experience with the Devils and returns to the club. Will add a mature body and premiership experience.

Robbie Hudson: Hudson joins the club as a playing assistant. He has plenty of experience in the EDFL where he captained West Coburg to the 2014 flag.

BRAYBROOK

Brad Busuttil: Returns to the club and will play between the forward line and midfield.

James Farrell: An emerging ruck-forward who joins from Western Rams.

Harley Cameron: The 2023 Western Rams captain will face off against his former side.

Mitchell Withers: The defender crosses after stints with several RDFNL clubs.

Kane Fraser: A wingman who can go forward.

Josh Poulter: Returns to the club where he played between 2016 and 2019. Expected to slot in across halfback after recently playing at Fitzroy.

Ricky Cameron: A former WRFL Team of the Year member, Cameron can play up forward and in the middle.

Chase Wassell: A mobile speedy forward aged 18.

Cain Shaw: A player with WAFL experience back in 2018, Shaw has spent recent seasons with Sunbury Kangaroos and Western Rams. A speedy midfielder-forward.

Brandon Watts: Set to bolster the Brookers midfielder after crossing from the RDFL.

Justin Condo: The halfback turned midfielder crosses from Greenvale where he made his Premier Division debut at 17.

Matthew Condo: The 26-year-old arrives from Greenvale where he was part of two reserves premierships.

Other signings: Jayden Danaher, Alessandro Munro, Craig Plant, Jayden Him.

SUNS

Jesse Shell: Joins from now rivals Wyndhamvale. He can go forward and boot a goal.

Blake Toseland: A returning junior that can play at both ends of the ground.

Jordan Baumgartner: The former VFL player arrives from Anakie in the Geelong and District league. He is also a former Riddell District Rookie of the Year.

Kyle De Rose: A premiership player with Point Cook Centrals, the defender will bolster the Suns’ back six.

Kayne Wilson: Wilson is a returning player to the Suns after spending the 2023 season with Tungamah.

ALBANVALE

Ryan Cauchi: Expected to slot into the midfield but is also capable of going forward and booting a goal.

Josh Devlin: A lockdown defender who can also break the play open with his speed.

Kieran Riall: Crosses from Yarraville Seddon and will slot into the middle.

James Duell: A pacey wingman who has played at Broadford, Tullamarine and Westmeadows.

Otis Blanch: Won the reserves best and fairest at Yarraville in 2022, the 21-year-old can play in the ruck or up forward.

Jacob Reeve: The Cobra’s first recruit of the off-season, joining from rivals West Footscray. A young ruckman.

Coaching announcement: The Cobras have confirmed Ange Messina as their new coach. He has experience right across the competition.

SUNSHINE HEIGHTS

Matty Malual: Capable of playing multiple positions and has experience with several clubs including Seymour.

Todd Lawrie: The former league best-and-fairest has joined the Dragons.

Luke Cook: Arrives from Wyndhamvale and will slot into defence.

Hayden Koutsogiannis: Crosses from rivals Tarneit where he played on the wing.

Jake Dimech: The midfielder arrives from Braybrook and comes with “very good ball use”.

Anthony Close: The experienced defender crosses from the Riddell District league.

Gordon Moss: After two years out of the game, the midfielder is returning to the Dragons for next season.

Bol Wol: A former junior, Wol returns to the club after spending time with Caroline Springs. He is expected to play a variety of roles.

WEST FOOTSCRAY

Matthew Taylor: Joins from rivals Albanvale where he booted 46 goals in 2023.

Mitch Grubb: Joins his brother at the club, he played in Braybrook’s 2022 flag.

Damien Hough: Hough returns to the Roosters after playing with Morwell for the 2023 season.

Will Clare: Arrives from Morwell where he made his senior debut this season. Fits in with the club’s young core.

TARNEIT

Jalen Jaimangal: An exciting young prospect who lit up the under-18 competition for Point Cook last season.

Liam Meyrich: A premiership player with Bell Post Hill in 2017, Meyrich will play up forward and in the ruck.

Luke Mann: A 28-year-old key forward who arrives from Bell Post Hill.

LAVERTON

Shaydon Bloomfield: No stranger to the competition having previously kicked over 100 goals for Albion.

Kevin Klix has joined Laverton. Picture: Hamish Blair

Kevin Klix: A premiership player with Deer Park, Klix will add valuable experience to the Laverton midfield.

Shaun Evans: Crosses from the VAFA and has won plaudits for his speed and athleticism.

Fraser Johns: A hard at footballer who joins from the VAFA.

Alex Grigg: Joins from Division outfit Point Cook where he played in his this year’s grand final side.

Josh Cole: Cole arrives at the Magpies to play alongside his brother, Trent. He is expected to play up forward and in the middle of the ground.

NORTH SUNSHINE

Oscar Grech: Another fresh face from Kilmore who will play in defence.

Kyle Millsom: Missed 2023 due to work commitments, but set to return to the footy field next year.

Joel Grech: Set to strengthen the Roadrunners defence after time with Kilmore.

Thomas Dando: Joins from Kilmore where he played as a lockdown defender.

Connor Grech: Grech arrives as a new playing assistant coach. He has served at several clubs.

Kelsey Rameka: Makes the move across from Melton South where he played several senior games this season.

Coaching announcement: The Roadrunners have confirmed Darren Boyall as their new coach. He has previously been involved with the Northern Saints in the EDFL. “Darren impressed the selection panel during the interview process with his clear communication skills and vision for the club,” the club said.