Best former AFL players on show in Victorian local leagues
You won’t believe where these former AFL big names are playing now — many are still kicking goals for local leagues across Melbourne.
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THE LIST of former AFL players getting a kick out of local footy is long, with one-time stars a common sight at suburban grounds.
In the first of a two-part series we round up some of the leading ex-league players running around in the Eastern, Essendon District and Mornington Peninsula Nepean leagues.
Have we missed any? Tell us in the comments below.
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EASTERN
Daniel Gorringe (Park Orchards)
Gorringe was one of Balwyn’s marquee recruits in the off-season but departed when it was announced his former Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade had replaced Marty Pask. Has since joined Division 2 club Park Orchards, providing vital experience for the emerging club.
Brett Eddy (Vermont)
The former Port Adelaide forward and SANFL sharpshooter is keeping backmen busy in his first season in the Eastern league, kicking bags of nine and seven in the first six weeks of the season. He could become only seventh player to top the ton in Division 1.
Brock McLean (Doncaster East)
The ex-Melbourne and Carlton midfielder joined Doncaster East at the end of 2016 in its bid to join Division 1 for the first time. Has been an integral part of Doncaster East’s on-ball brigade and was named an assistant coach for 2018.
Simon White (Doncaster East)
The former rookie was delisted at Carlton after 87 games at the end of 2017, joining former teammate Brock McLean at Zerbes Reserve over the summer. Was among the Lions’ best players in three of his five games.
Matt Jones (South Croydon)
Jones returned to his junior club at the start of 2017 after a 61-game career at Melbourne, and played an instrumental role in South Croydon’s fairytale grand final triumph over Vermont. Has quickly established himself as one of the premier midfielders in Division 1.
Jamie Bennell (Norwood)
The former Demon and Eagle Bennell put pen to paper at Norwood at the end of last year after an impressive season with WAFL outfit Swan Districts. Has shown glimpses of his talent coming out of defence with his classy ball use off halfback.
Jordan Gysberts (Norwood)
A former Melbourne first-round draft pick, Gysberts played in Norwood’s maiden Division 1 premiership in 2014 before spending two seasons at VAFA club St Kevin’s.
The 26-year-old returned to his junior club midway through 2017 after playing in the St Kevin’s Premier B flag in 2015.
Kyle Martin (Noble Park)
He famously turned his back on Collingwood at the end of 2015 to return to junior club Noble Park after playing six AFL games.
Has established himself as one of the pre-eminent midfielders in the EFL, last season winning his ninth best and fairest in 10 years. Champion.
James Gwilt (Rowville)
Gwilt was one of a host of players to walk out on Noble Park at the end of 2017, joining rival Division 1 club Rowville. Played 152 games at the elite level with St Kilda and Essendon, featuring in the Saints’ 2010 grand finals.
Beau Dowler (The Basin)
He was recruited to Hawthorn with pick No. 6 in the 2005 draft but managed just 16 AFL games. Played at Noble Park and spent three years at Beaconsfield before joining Division 3 club The Basin at the end of 2017.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Luke Blackwell (Aberfeldie)
The former Carlton and WAFL midfielder is in his fourth season in the Essendon District Football League and is one of the competition’s best players.
Blackwell claimed the league’s highest honour — the Reynolds Medal in 2016 — and has been in red-hot form this season.
Lachie Hansen (Pascoe Vale)
One of four former North Melbourne players at Pascoe Vale, Hansen signed on at the Essendon District Football League club over the off-season after a 151-game AFL career. The 29-year-old has spent most of the season in the attacking half, but has also had stints in the ruck.
Dennis Armfield (Avondale Heights)
A popular figure during his AFL career with Carlton, the 31-year-old is in his first season with Avondale Heights and has been a key contributor on the field. Armfield harbours coaching ambitions and has been a more-than handy resource for Heights boss Donald McDonald.
Addam Maric (Greenvale)
The former Melbourne and Richmond player had an outstanding season for Greenvale in 2017, bagging 71 goals from 21 games after spending most of the campaign in the middle of the ground. Maric only made 31 appearances at the top level, but he is an elite performer in the suburban ranks.
Kyle Reimers (Aberfeldie)
The livewire forward is in his fifth season at Aberfeldie and has been a key to the club’s success in the top flight of the EDFL, kicking 101 goals in the previous two years. Reimers played 60 games for Essendon from 2007-2012.
Courtenay Dempsey (Greenvale)
A dashing defender during his time at the top level, Dempsey is in his second season with EDFL club Greenvale. The 30-year-old made 133 appearances over an 11-year career with Essendon.
MATTHEW WATSON (PASCOE VALE)
The former Carlton player made only 23 appearances for Carlton at the top level, but he has wasted no time terrorising opposition defences in the top flight of the EDFL. Watson leads the competition’s goalkicking table with 39 from eight games after returning to his junior club following a two-year stint in the WAFL.
MPNFL
Chris Dawes (Sorrento)
The ex-Demon forward and Collingwood premiership player was an integral part of Sorrento’s flag triumph last season, his first in the Mornington Peninsula league. He started 2018 well, slotting 14 goals in five games.
Jarrad Grant (Frankston Bombers)
The ex-Bulldogs and Suns forward is back at his original club the Frankston Bombers and has shown flashes of brilliance, including a four-goal blitz in the first quarter of their Round 5 win over Pines.
Luke Tapscott (Sorrento)
Tapscott played 48 games for Melbourne and has been a great recruit for Sorrento, playing a starring role in the Sharks’ 2017 premiership and winning two best and fairest awards. Now coaching the club.
Mitch Hallahan (Sorrento)
The former Hawthorn and Gold Coast midfielder has been in red-hot form in his first season with Sorrento, helping the Sharks to top spot in MPNFL Division 1.
Beau Muston (Frankston Bombers)
Beau made one of the better AFL debuts for Hawthorn in 2009, having 31 disposals and kicking a goal. Injuries cut his league career short and he is now playing-coach at the Frankston Bombers.
Aaron Edwards (Pines)
The high-marking forward played four games with West Coast, 78 with North Melbourne and 12 with Richmond and, at 34, has just returned from a knee reconstruction.
Trent Dennis-Lane (Bonbeach)
The ex-Sydney and St Kilda forward has been a consistent goalkicker for Bonbeach, winning the league award last season. Joined the Sharks after a stint at Sandringham.
Greg Bentley (Rosebud)
The former Port Adelaide and Carlton midfielder has been outstanding for Rosebud, winning a league best and fairest award in 2011 and helping the Buds to a premiership in 2015.
Andrejs Everitt (Somerville)
After 131 AFL games with Western Bulldogs, Sydney and Carlton, Everitt returned to his home club Somerville and is playing-coach.
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