WRFL: Sunshine signs Buckley Chapman, Kurtis Barnard and Mitch Fitzpatrick
Three former NAB League talents have joined Sunshine’s rebuild and it appears to be showing no signs of slowing down. Here’s why.
Western
Don't miss out on the headlines from Western. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sunshine’s rebuild is gathering momentum — and fast.
The Kangaroos are planning an immediate bounce back into Division 1 of the Western Region Football League after its first relegation with three new recruits already unveiled.
Buckley Chapman, Kurtis Barnard and Mitch Fitzpatrick are all set to wear club colours for the first time next season.
But their signatures came after arguably the most important one of all, captain Declan Moloney.
New coach Ben Chapman believes Moloney’s commitment to the club despite all the difficulties of the 2022 season proves the club is heading in the right direction.
“We’ve had a little bit of experience move on to other clubs so it’s important we retain guys including Declan,” he said.
“When the captain does sign it gives guys a base and something for us to build from. I’ve spoken to a lot of the players and there’s a really good feeling among the group at the moment.
“It’s important we keep adding people who want to be here and want to play for our football club. Everyone who is staying is passionate about the club which makes life a lot easier.
“It has been pretty full on with our recruiting. There are periods where you will talk to a lot of players and won’t get anyone then there are those where you’ll get one, then two and it snowballs.
“Lately I think we’ve been building a bit of momentum.”
Buckley is the Kangaroos’ coach’s son, following his father across from Essendon District league outfit Tullamarine.
Last season, he played four senior games breaking into the side on the eve of the finals series.
Barnard crosses from Essendon Doutta Stars — who signed two former Sunshine players earlier in the off-season.
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick is a utility from Oak Park.
“All three boys have been through the Calder Cannons program at different stages,” Chapman Snr said.
“They’re all in that 20-21 age bracket that we’ve been targeting. We’ll look to add a couple of more recruits and continue building.
“We had an under 18s side last season and we really want to invest in the youth we do have here.”
Jake Allan Mars Lester, Max Weise and Nick McKay have all recommitted to Sunshine for 2023.
Devil in the detail: WFNL club’s best team since 2000
North Footscray has been a “perennial finalists” since 2000 with two premierships to show for it. The Devils have now named their best side of the last 25 years. See it here.
Ex-AFL names, big forwards dominate local footy action
Ex-AFL players dominated with big performances in wet conditions, including one who is stranded on 99 goals, while one game was halted due to a nasty injury. See our Victorian local footy wrap.