Country footy 2024: Murray and North Central leagues welcome influx of star recruits
Country footy is just around the corner and two leagues have witnessed a big influx of top-line recruits. See where they’re going.
Reigning Murray and North Central league premiers will be under attack from even more challengers this season.
Mulwala has won the last two Murray league premierships after a flag drought stretching back to 1990; and Sea Lake-Nandaly was premiers and champions in the North Central league after going through last year undefeated.
The two leagues have witnessed some of the highest levels of recruiting activity since last year with clubs wooing players from neighbouring major leagues including Goulburn Valley, Ovens and Murray, and Bendigo and further afield.
“We’re the hunted now,” Mulwala co-coach Kade Rowe said.
“The other clubs are now recruiting to catch us which is great. It’s great for the competition and also great for us.
“It’s pushing us really, really hard.”
The latest big name signing in the Murray league was former Yarrawonga star and coach Mark Whiley returning to his original club Finley last week.
But ensuring Mulwala stays near the top of the ladder has been the addition of Collingwood premiership player Dayne Beams and Yarrawonga veteran Beau Seymour.
Mulwala’s biggest loss is dual O’Dwyer medallist Jackson Gash, who is moving to Queensland.
After losing the preliminary final in 2022, Sea Lake-Nandaly capped off an undefeated season by beating competition newcomer Nullawil in the grand final by 14 points.
Nullawil has been highly active in the off-season with the addition of Central Murray league star Matthew Wade and former AFL player Peter Faulks.
But Sea Lake-Nandaly co-coach Bryce Delemenico believes Wycheproof-Narraport can push into finals contention under the coaching of former premiership coach Wayne Mitrovic.
“It’s great for the league,” Delmenico said.
“Especially for clubs like Wycheproof who were around the mark last year and always give 100 per cent.
“But they just needed three or four A-graders to come in.
“It’s going to be an interesting year and it’s going to come down to who can keep their best side on the park.”
Sea Lake-Nandaly has retained key forward Josh Jenkins and recruited Adam Pattison, who has played at three AFL clubs.
TOP-10 RECRUITS FOR 2024
MURRAY
Tyron Braden (Cobram)
Returning from Goulburn Valley club Shepparton where he won best and fairest last year.
Jackson Trengove (Cobram)
Previously played in Murray league with Barooga and is coming off best and fairest winning season at Mooroopna in GV.
Kyle Mueller (Congupna)
GV star with Kyabram where he booted 51 goals last year in a team that played off in grand final.
Sam Lloyd (Deniliquin)
Back at his home club after stints at the elite level with Richmond and Western Bulldogs.
Hamish Shepheard (Deniliquin)
Man mountain ruckman who played with Sam Lloyd at Bundoora last year.
Mark Whiley (Finley)
Back at Finley after playing at AFL senior level with Greater Western Sydney and Carlton, and most recently a star for Yarrawonga in the Ovens and Murray.
Liam Barrett (Moama)
Premiership player with Golden Square before joining in the massive exodus following dumping of flag-winning coach Christian Carter,
Tom Holman (Moama)
Proven goalkicker in the GV league for Kyabram.
Dayne Beams (Mulwala)
Collingwood 2010 premiership player who also had a stint at Brisbane player. His father Philip won seven best and fairests with Mulwala.
Beau Seymour (Mulwala)
Great servant for Yarrawonga during its rise to powerhouse status in the O & M.
NORTH CENTRAL
Hamish Hosking (Birchip-Watchem)
Widely recognised as the best ruckman in country footy last year after dominant season for Bendigo league runner-up Sandhurst.
James Keeble (Boort)
After playing a big part in Sebastopol’s on-field resurgence in the Ballarat league, Keeble is returning to his original club.
Todd Stevenson (Donald)
Former Vic Country representative who was also a two-time club best and fairest winner in the Geelong league with Bell Park.
Andrew Browne (Donald)
Former Richmond player who was key player for flag-winning Mininera District club Tatyoon last year.
Matthew Wade (Nullawil)
Three-time Central Murray league Jack Betts Medal winner and five-time Swan Hill best and fairest winner will be an instant star.
Peter Faulks (Nullawil)
Spent time at two AFL clubs, Sydney and Fremantle, before being a star for VFL club Willamstown. Recruited to play in a key defensive role.
Hunter Lawrence (Nullawil)
Dual premiership player with Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo league.
Steve Kennedy (Wycheproof-Narraport)
League best and fairest winner in the Western Region and Ballarat leagues, Kennedy will be a welcome addition to the midfield.
Josh Grabowski (Wycheproof-Narraport)
Classy small forward who has played at Geelong Amateurs and East Keilor in recent seasons.
Nick Grabowski ( (Wycheproof-Narraport)
Brother of Josh, he was regarded as a gun player in the Essendon District league for East Keilor.
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