The 210 new signings for VFL clubs heading into season 2024
The signings keep coming in the VFL, with 210 recruits confirmed for the 2024 season that starts this month. And there are more in the works.
They came with a rush before and after Christmas.
And they’re still coming.
Recruiting from the ranks of the AFL, the Coates Talent League, and suburban and country sides, VFL clubs have made a stack of signings for 2024.
Here are 210 recruits confirmed by CODE Sports.
Seb Amoroso, Box Hill Hawks
Amoroso was a popular captain of Gippsland Power last year and gave it a good season as a high half forward, averaging 18.3 possessions. From Drouin, he continues the Hawks’ connection with the Gippsland region.
Daly Andrews, Werribee
As Werribee GM Mark Penaluna points out, midfielder Andrews is a “Werribee boy’’, having come out of local club Werribee Districts. And he’s transferred to the Bees after 36 games for Williamstown from 2021-23, including two finals last year.
Harry Andronaco, Northern Bullants
The former Calder Cannon has made the switch from Coburg, where he played some senior football in 2022 but could not get a look-in last year. The Bullants have gained a handy small forward and an exemplary clubman.
Ben Ashley-Cooper, Sydney
From Lavington, midfielder Ashley-Cooper is seen as one of the brightest prospects in the Ovens and Murray league. The Swans are perky about what the 2021 Murray Bushrangers graduate can do in the VFL.
Brock Aston, Southport
Initially a train-on with the Sharks, Aston, 24, fought his way on to the senior list. The no-fuss midfielder comes from Redland-Victoria Point, where he was twice a QAFL team-of-the-year selection and last year played in the state game against Tasmania. Aston has also had stints at Morningside, with the Lions Academy in the QAFL and Coolaroo.
Ollie Badr, Carlton
The 177cm defender and midfielder becomes a Blue after an encouraging 2023 season in which he played seven games at the Oakleigh Chargers and school football at Old Scotch. He averaged 17.1 disposals and four tackles for the Chargers, where he’ll start the year as a 19-year-old.
Jamieson Ballantyne, Geelong
A Dog last year, the clever wingman – attached to local club Geelong West- has become a Cat as he searches for more opportunities and a better run with injuries. Ballantyne earned some ink in 2022 after kicking three goals and having 24 touches in an AFL Victoria Young Guns match.
Guy Barnes, Port Melbourne
Another WA recruit for the Borough, following the signings of Tobe Watson and Jimmy Miller. Barnes is a midfielder and forward who ran third in Peel Thunder’s reserves best and fairest this year. He’d previously spent five seasons at South Fremantle.
Rook Barry, Northern Bullants
The speedy Barry makes the jump from the Coates Talent League to the VFL after 13 appearances for the Western Jets last year.
Darcy Bennett, Werribee
Bennett, 26, is set for a second run with Werribee, to follow a first stint that spanned 2019-2021. The 204cm ruckman has nominated Banyule as his local club.
Lochie Benton, Sandringham
A premiership onballer with Sandringham Dragons in 2022, Benton was content to play locally last year, doing so successfully with Dingley in the Southern league. He won the best and fairest and gained a team-of-the-year nod, prompting his return to higher football.
Trent Bianco, Footscray Bulldogs
Let go by Collingwood after 23 AFL games, Bianco is chasing another chance in the AFL and he’ll start it at the ‘Scray, having seen former Pies teammate Caleb Poulter rise from the VFL to AFL list. The Bulldogs needed a good signing or two after losing the likes of Ewan Macpherson, Luke Goater, Joel Garner and Caleb Lewis.
Riley Bice, Werribee
Bice lands at Avalon Airport Oval with strong credentials, having won the best and fairest at Albury Tigers last year. He kicked 28 goals from 20 matches for a grand final side, and at representative level performed well for the Ovens and Murray against Goulburn Valley. The former Murray Bushranger played three VFL games for the GWS Giants in 2022.
Hugo Birks, Sydney
Birks is stepping up to the state league after a 2023 season in which he jumped to prominence with 44 goals from 14 games for Drouin in the strong Gippsland league. The Glen Iris junior was with the Sandringham Dragons in 2022.
Aiden Bonar, Williamstown
The Towners did most of their off-season shopping before Christmas. But in January they made a late buy in former Giant and Kangaroo Bonar, who had been training with the Suns as he eyed a chance in the supplementary selection period. The 24-year-old played 30 AFL matches and Willy insiders believe he can present as a mid-season draft prospect.
Tom Bower, Richmond
Bower, the 19-year-old son of former Richmond winger Nathan, has been signed for 2024 after 12 months as a train-on Tiger. Speedy like his father, he split his 2023 at the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League and Noble Park in Eastern.
Charlie Bowes, Coburg
Running defender Bowes, a Queensland representative at the 2021 Under 18 championships and a Brisbane VFL player the following year, has crossed from Port Melbourne, where he was disappointed to play only four games last season. The Lions are like him: they believe he has more to give at senior level.
Kaelan Bradtke, Geelong
The well-built Bradtke had some bright moments with Richmond VFL last year, kicking 24 goals from 16 games, but was let go in the same year he had been recruited as an SSP selection. The Tigers signed the 195cm forward from Corowa-Rutherglen after he booted 39 goals in the Ovens and Murray league in 2022.
Jack Briskey, Coburg
The athletic 195cm key position player fell out of favour with the Port Melbourne selectors after playing eight games in 2022. Briskey is from Queensland and was with the Brisbane Lions’ VFL team in the sawn-off 2021 season.
Hugo Brommel, Coburg
The 20-year-old midfielder is eyeing more senior chances with the Burgers after five appearances with Footscray VFL last year. He was also a strong performer for VAFA Premier finalist Old Scotch in the VAFA.
Henry Brown, Coburg
There are good notices around Brown, a 180cm forward and midfielder who represented the VAFA last season and booted three goals against Perth. He was named in the VAFA Premier team of the year after booting 21 goals and averaging 17.5 disposals from 19 games. Brown could rise quickly at the City Oval.
Jack Brown, Williamstown
A premiership player with Keilor under the coaching of Mick McGuane, Brown has crossed from Essendon VFL, for whom he had eight games last year as a small forward and midfielder.
Tyler Brown, Box Hill Hawks
The 23-year-old former Magpie has joined his brother Callum at the City Oval after playing one AFL game for Adelaide last year. He had linked with the Crows during the pre-season supplemental selection period.
Will Brown, Sandringham
There were a few tales of misfortune out of last year’s drafts. Brown was one of them, overlooked by AFL clubs despite captaining the Vic Metro team and leading the Sandringham Dragons to another premiership. He was best-afield in the Coates Talent League grand final, counting three goals in his 18 possessions. His versatility will count for him at the selection table.
Josh Browne, Williamstown
The 187cm midfielder has transferred from the West Coast Eagles in the WAFL, where he averaged 24.4 disposals last season to run third in his club’s best and fairest. Two years earlier, while at East Fremantle, he won the Colts competition medal.
Nick Burke, Frankston
The onballer has hooked up with his third VFL club, becoming a Dolphin after stints at Geelong and Port Melbourne. He battled for a game at the Borough last year, but at local level his form with Cheltenham was rarely short of exceptional.
Wylie Buzza, Southport
A B-I-G inclusion for Southport as it sets out to climb the ladder after a thin 2023. The former Geelong and Port Adelaide forward spent the past two seasons with the Brisbane Lions’ VFL team and booted 40 goals last year.
Taj Campbell-Farrell, Frankston
Campbell-Farrell has returned to play closer to his Mornington Peninsula origins after spending 2023 on Williamstown’s list. The Rye product won the 2022 Morrish Medal as a Dandenong Stingray but foot problems checked his advance to senior company. No one doubts his talent as a ball-winner through the midfield.
Ry Cantwell, Richmond
From East Ringwood, Cantwell’s 12 games for Eastern Ranges last year included the grand final against Sandringham Dragons. The speedy and athletic forward and wingman kicked 18 goals and averaged 11.9 possessions in the Coates Talent League. He’ll be back with Eastern as a 19-year-old as he tries to win a few games with the Tigers.
Rhys Clark, Southport
The Sharks have regained their 2018 NEAFL premiership player, who left at the end of 2022 for travel and business reasons. Clark ended up having a stint with Kyabram in the Goulburn Valley league. In his last season with Southport the key defender finished fourth in the vote count for a grand final team.
Harrison Coe, Frankston
Former Frankston assistant coach “Mighty Mick’’ Fogarty coached Coe at Beaconsfield last year, with the key forward/ruckman having a high finish in the Division 1 league medal. Coe came to attention by kicking a century of goals for St Francis Xavier in the lower grades of the amateurs in 2019.
Blake Coleman, Williamstown
Exciting small forward Coleman, the younger brother of Keidan, was Brisbane’s first pick in the 2020 national draft, taken at No 24 after the Lions matched a bid from Collingwood. He played 50 VFL games for Brisbane, including 20 last year, when he slotted 22 goals and averaged 11.4 disposals. No doubt he’ll show some tricks with the Towners.
Riley Collier-Dawkins, Williamstown
The 23-year-old was the No. 20 pick in the 2018 national draft and went on to 11 AFL games with Richmond. Delisted at the end of 2022, he joined Woodville-West Torrens, where he averaged 15.5 disposals from 10 matches.
Jacob Conlan, Port Melbourne
The former GWS Academy player and his brother Lucas are among the many newcomers to North Port Oval. Both are from Albury Tigers in the powerful Ovens and Murray League and helped the club to the 2023 grand final. Jacob, 24, is a 191cm forward and booted 51 goals last year. He had a three-game cameo with the GWS VFL team in 2022.
Lucas Conlan, Port Melbourne
While his brother Jacob is a forward, Lucas, 22, is a key defender and finished third in Albury’s best and fairest last year. And for the second successive season he made the Ovens and Murray team of the year.
Leo Connolly, Casey Demons
Connolly lingered in the Sandringham VFL team in 2022-23 after playing seven AFL games for St Kilda in 2021. From Gippsland, he’s living in the Beaconsfield district, putting him in Casey territory.
Josh Cooper, Northern Bullants
Cooper played three games for Brisbane’s VFL team last year and four more for the Lions’ Coates Talent League side. But he spent most of his season with Sherwood Magpies, doing well. In 2022 the left-footer had turned out for the Allies at the national Under 18 championships, performing strongly across four matches. Known for his use of the ball – Sherwood described it as “elite’’ – he shapes as a good inclusion for the Ants.
Toby Cossor, Box Hill Hawks
The 204cm ruckman split his 2023 season with the Murray Bushrangers and his local club, Myrtleford. Cossor is concentrating on football after some success on the basketball court.
Ben Crocker, Collingwood
A return to the Maggies for Crocker, who made 26 AFL appearances for Collingwood before joining Adelaide in 2020. He’d been with Carlton VFL since 2021, playing 45 matches. Crocker kicked 17.21 last year in a forward role.
Jared Crosbie, Northern Bullants
Crosbie is giving the next level a nudge after, in a mix of positions and roles, playing every senior game last year for North Heidelberg in the Northern league.
Taine Dawson, Southport
The emerging ruckman was crowned the QAFL’S Rising Star for 2023 after his performances for Broadbeach, when he averaged 16 disposals, five marks and 28 hit-outs. His season also took in a handful of matches for the Suns Academy team and a VFL game for Gold Coast.
Sam Davidson, Richmond
Versatile and 190cm, Davidson played at Maffra in the Gippsland league last year while on a medical placement. He’s back in Melbourne and has linked with the Tigers and St Kevin’s.
Kade De La Rue, North Melbourne
Surprisingly overlooked in last year’s drafts, Dandenong Stingrays graduate De La Rue has become a Kangaroo – De La Roo, you might say – after being approached by North coach Tommy Lynch. Described by AFL draft guru Kevin Sheehan as a “medium midfielder/forward whose strength is accumulating the ball and then making good decisions with his neat disposal’’, De La Rue averaged 20.5 disposals for the Rays last year.
Hugo Dixon, Southport
An East Fremantle Shark last year, the key forward will be a Southport Shark this year. The former Tasmanian brings the experience of AFL appearances with the Dockers (one game) and Eagles (10), and a WAFL premiership.
Sam Donegan, Northern Bullants
The 170cm Donegan arrives at Cramer St as a former best and fairest at St Albans in the Geelong league. Capable of kicking goals to go with his possessions, he had a run with Geelong VFL in 2022.
Boston Dowling, Collingwood
A 204cm ruckman, Dowling has signed at the Pies but will also be listed as a 19-year-old at Oakleigh Chargers. Pies coach Josh Fraser sees a lot of potential in the youngster, who started in the Under 18 competition with the Murray Bushrangers.
Jared Eckersley, Essendon
Eckersley, a 192cm midfielder, was part of the Gold Coast Suns’ VFL premiership team last year, when he also appeared in the club’s Academy team in the Under 18s and for Broadbeach in the QAFL.
Lucas Edmonds, Northern Bullants
Edmonds, attached to Maribyrnong Park, was part of the NT team that defeated Essendon’s VFL team two weeks ago. He was a stand-out Under 19 player for St Bernard’s in 2021.
Ben Edwards, Sydney
The Swans have a top-line midfield recruit in Claremont’s Edwards, who was touted as an AFL mid-season draft hope last year. “If you watched him step through traffic and break into the clear, you would swear you were looking at an AFL player,’’ CODE Sports’ Mark Duffield wrote. “It is the next part of the process that has clubs putting a question mark on him: every now and then he breaks into the clear, takes aim at a target and misses what he should hit.’’ Edwards, 24, ought to be a dominant VFL player.
Will Elliott, Northern Bullants
The 19-year-old, 201cm ruckman is the son of former Australian Test opener Matthew and is out to build on a 2023 season in which he had 11 matches for the Oakleigh Chargers as an over-age player. His height and heft will be handy at Cramer St; the Ants were light on for talls after losing Brandon Ryan and Finnbar Maley in drafts last year.
Caleb Ernst, Coburg
Ernst, a former Bendigo Pioneer, missed most of last season with injury and so may take a while to show his best. Had a run with Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo league but has switched local clubs, joining Prahran in the amateurs.
Patrick Farrant, Collingwood
The 190cm forward kicked a century of goals for Bridgetown in WA’s Lower South West league last year. Farrant, who had a stint in the WAFL, joined Fitzroy Stars last October.
Misilifi Faimolo, Sandringham
Born in Samoa, raised in New Zealand and living in Melbourne since 2019, Faimolo came to notice with St Kilda City in the Southern league, as a spirited and skilful onballer. It was no surprise a VFL club came calling, with Richmond listing him 2022 and ’23. The Zebras think he can be a senior regular at the Trevor Barker Oval this year.
Jed Feneley, Richmond
An Under 19 best and fairest at Old Xaverians, Feneley, 187cm and capable in a few positions, played every senior game in VAFA Premier last year and was named Xavs’ best first-year player.
Kristian Ferronato, Carlton
The Blues were chuffed to secure the Northern Knights midfielder, who ran fifth in last year’s Morrish Medal after averaging 28.3 disposals in the Coates Talent League. He also dominated the AGS-APS representative match, picking up 41 disposals and slotting two goals. Ferronato was an under-age Australian basketballer and calls Greensborough Football Netball club home.
Joel Fitzgerald, Williamstown
The creative and cool halfback switches to the Towners from Essendon VFL, where he finished fifth in the best and fairest last year and played 30 games in two seasons.
Will Fordham, Williamstown
Fordham last year won his third best and fairest at Frankston, and on the night he accepted the award he announced he would be leaving the club. He didn’t say where he was going but it was common knowledge he was off to Willy. The right-footer is one of the best midfielders outside the AFL and averaged 26.6 possessions from 18 games in 2023, enough to gain another VFL team-of-the-year plaque.
Sam Frangalas, Richmond
The midfielder from the Dandenong Stingrays has landed at one of the former clubs of his father, former Swan and Tiger Gary. Frangalas burst through as a 16-year-old at the Rays in 2021 and 12 months later played in the Under 17 All Stars fixture on AFL grand final day. He missed selection for Vic Country last year, despite averaging 20.4 possessions from his 13 Coates Talent League games.
Caleb Franks, Northern Bullants
The brick-hard onballer is trying his luck in the VFL after three strong seasons for Redland-Victoria Point in the QAFL, which he represented in the state game against Tasmania last year. The one-time Lions Academy member will give it everything, and then a little more.
Matt Gahan, Port Melbourne
A 2018 premiership player with the Dandenong Stingrays, Gahan is back in Victoria after three seasons with Southport. He had an earlier stint at Casey.
Rhys Galvin, Coburg
Galvin, a 190cm defender from Gippsland, was on Casey’s VFL list last year but played only one game. His local football was at Old Scotch, where he received a Rising Star nomination. Scotch senior coach Mark Gnatt commented: “At the raw age of 18, Rhys plays with poise and composure well beyond his years.’’
Joel Garner, Richmond
The Tigers saw more of Garner than they liked last year when, playing for Footscray, he had 25 possessions and booted two goals against them. He’s linked with Richmond VFL as a development coach, to go with his full-time employment at Punt Rd as an indigenous player development manager. Left-footer Garner played four senior games for Port Adelaide after being selected in the 2017 national draft. He joined the VFL Bulldogs in 2022.
Jess Gedi, Carlton
Gedi is one of a long list of local players stepping up to the VFL, joining Carlton from Heidelberg. The young defender, a Marcellin College old boy, impressively established himself in the senior team last year and was close to best-afield in the Tigers’ Northern league premiership.
Liam George, Richmond
The Mooroolbark product has graduated from the strong Eastern Ranges program, where he was part of the 2023 grand final side. The Tigers have noted the forward-midfielder’s running ability and creativity around goal.
Nick Girolami, Richmond
The 21-year-old was named fullback in the 2023 Mornington Peninsula team of the year after holding down the key defensive post for Mt Eliza. “Big, strong player with a thumping kick and a good runner for his size … really likeable character too,’’ was the word on Girolami from sharp-eyed Tigers GM Oliver Grant.
Maison Goodman, Northern Bullants
Noted for his athleticism and running ability at Calder Cannons last year, Goodman shapes as a midfielder/forward for the Bullants.
Luca Goonan, Carlton
Onballer Goonan is having another dash at the VFL after spending 2021 and ’22 with Casey Demons. He played well at local level last year with Frankston YCW, where he is a senior premiership player and his father, Paul, is senior coach.
Billy Gowers, Port Melbourne
The former Western Bulldogs forward was part of the three-player recruiting package the Borough announced in mid-December. Gowers, 27, started last season at Old Xaverians and finished it at Moe in the Gippsland league, where he was a good goal kicker. Port hopes he can perform the same role in his return to higher football.
Noah Gown, Frankston
The Dolphins were looking for some firepower in attack and they found it in former Essendon-listed forward Gown. He played at Sandringham last year, kicking 21.19 from 17 matches, and also had a run in the Gippsland league, figuring in Leongatha’s premiership. The 193cm Gown was pick No. 60 in the 2018 national draft after winning Gippsland Power’s best and fairest. He had two years with the Bombers and joined Williamstown in 2021. Another move came last year, to Sandy. The Dolphins are hoping for a longer tenure from a player they regard highly.
Andrew Green, Casey Demons
The left-footer has travelled far and wide to play football. Last year he stopped at Cranbourne in the Southern league and caught the eye with his dash and poise.
Luke Green, Northern Bullants
Green, from Preston in the VAFA, is testing himself at a higher level after being named at centre half-back in the Division 1 team of the year in 2023.
Sam Green, Port Melbourne
Tasmanian Green joins the Red and Blue. At 191cm he rucked for Clarence last year and gained state league team-of-the-year honours after having 22 disposals per game. The Borough think he is as much capable of playing on a wing as a key position.
George Grey, Frankston
After 41 games in two-and-a-half seasons with Casey, including the 2022 premiership, Grey has joined a number of other former Sandringham Dragons at Kinetic Stadium. He won Casey’s Rising Star award in 2022, finished sixth in the best and fairest last year and will add a dash of class to the Dollies.
Sam Grant, Coburg
The Lions were after a ruckman and they landed 204cm, 20-year-old Grant, who made one appearance for Carlton’s VFL team last year. He spent the rest of the season at Old Scotch, gaining regular mentions in the best.
Aiden Hall, Southport
The 21-year-old brings the experience of 34 senior games with South Fremantle to the Sharks. The right-footer shapes as a good inclusion with his speed and skill on a wing.
Hugo Hall-Kahan, Sandringham
The former Sandringham Dragon is back in Melbourne after a stint with the Sydney Swans, who recruited him in the 2022 mid-season rookie draft. The 188cm forward didn’t play an AFL game but he was a good performer at VFL level, last year kicking 23 goals and averaging 13.9 possessions from 18 matches. His best effort came in Round 19 against Essendon, when he had 25 disposals and slotted three goals.
Josh Hamilton, Northern Bullants
Hamilton played two games for North Melbourne late last season. He played quite a few more for North Heidelberg, and won its award for best finals player in recognition of his dash out of defence. The 2022 Northern Knights graduate should find more VFL opportunities at Cramer St.
Charlie Harmelin, Southport
Harmelin has done his share of travelling in football – he’s from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, had a stint with Broadbeach and has spent the past two years at Peel Thunder. Now comes another move for the pacy 22-year-old wingman.
Cody Harrington, Southport
The defender joins the Sharks from Broadbeach, where he took his senior bow at age 16 in 2021 and was part of the Cats’ premiership team. He played five games with the Suns’ VFL team last year.
Chad Harris, Richmond
It’s welcome back to Punt Rd for Harris, who after spending 2019 as a VFL Tiger headed for the WAFL and was a prominent player with Subiaco in two seasons, earning state selection in 2022. His fitness, experience and leadership will be valuable commodities at Tigerland this year.
Charlie Harrop, North Melbourne
Forward Harrop figured in the Sandringham Dragons flag last year, kicking a goal and having 16 possessions. He booted four goals against Calder early in the season, turned out for Vic Metro at the Under 18 national titles and attended the state combine. It’s a good resume to take to a VFL club.
Jett Hartman, Collingwood
Described by Pies coach Josh Fraser a “third-tall’’ defender, Hartman found a home and flourished at the Oakleigh Chargers last year after missing the cut at Eastern Ranges. He is the son of former leading Eastern league player and coach Brett Hartman.
Jackson Hately, Essendon
The Bombers have lost a few players from their VFL list but they made a snazzy signing in 23-year-old Hately, who is coming off a sparkling SANFL season with the Crows in which he won the best and fairest and was selected in the team of the year. His AFL career took in 15 games with Adelaide after 13 at GWS.
Angus Hicks, Werribee
Another former Murray Bushranger is on the books at Werribee, with clever forward Hicks crossing from Richmond, where he played 36 matches from 2021-2023 and was attached to the VFL squad for six years.
Tom Highmore, Port Melbourne
Port was disappointed to lose its Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal-winning defender Ethan Phillips to Box Hill Hawks. But it has replaced him with Highmore, who played 16 AFL games for St Kilda and who all along was high on Borough coach Adam Skrobalak’s recruiting wishlist. As a fringe Saint last year, Highmore had 16 matches for Sandringham, averaging 22.3 possessions and 6.8 marks.
Matt Hollier, Southport
The Mt Gravatt and Brisbane Lions Academy product was 17 when he made his senior debut for the Vultures in 2022. He also appeared in the Lions Academy Coates Talent League side from 2021-23. The Sharks say he adds depth to their defence.
Jack Hutchinson, Collingwood
The Pies might have found a bolter in Hutchinson, whose high marking for Wonthaggi in the Gippsland league prompts the nickname ‘Jumping Jack’. Maggies premiership player and Wonthaggi coach Jarryd Blair steered him to the Woodsmen. The forward kicked 34 goals from 14 matches last year, including four in a final against eventual premier Leongatha.
Lucas Impey, Williamstown
The 199cm ruck prospect and basketballer, from Darley, averaged 23.9 hit-outs in six matches for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League last season. He’s green but keen.
Alex Jacobs, Northern Bullants
After three years with Maroochydore in Queensland, the midfielder returned to Victoria last season to play with Myrtleford in the worthy Ovens and Murray league. In 15 games he was named in the best nine times. The VFL is another step-up for him, but the fact that he linked with the Brisbane Lions Under 18 suggests it’s well within his compass.
Coby James, North Melbourne
James, from Mooroopna, is a defender and gained Vic Country selection for the Under 18 nationals last season. He was also mentioned in the best in eight of his 12 outings for Murray Bushrangers.
Ben Jepson, Southport
Jepson averaged 25.1 possessions from 18 matches last year to win Coburg’s best and fairest, be a finalist in the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal and ripen into an AFL prospect. His change of clubs came about through family ties on the Gold Coast as much as ambitions for his football.
Max Johnson, Northern Bullants
Johnson, 196cm, will carry the Bullants’ ruck division, stepping up from country football. He showed at the VFL standalone carnival that he would compete well around the ground. Johnson was with Lockington Bamawm in the Heathcote District league last season and played for Kangaroos Flat in the Bendigo league in 2022.
Spencer Johnson, Port Melbourne
A third club in three years for the classy and adaptable Johnson, who joined the Northern Bullants last year from Werribee. Finished third in the Ants’ best and fairest.
Harrison Jones, Frankston
The former Dandenong Stingrays vice-captain presents as a medium-sized marking forward option for the Dollies after booting 20 goals for Old Haileybury in the top section of the VAFA last year. Haileybury skipper Brede Seccull calls him a “big brute of a kid with a great leap and huge upside’’. Jones kicked 20 goals for the Rays in 2022.
John Jorgensen, Northern Bullants
The 198cm, 94kg forward hit the VFL scene in 2022 with Richmond, crossed to Essendon last year and now joins the Ants. The former basketballer will give Rohan Welsh’s team a trusty target in attack. Aside from signing with the Bullants, Jorgensen has committed to Wangaratta Rovers at local level.
Deacon Kalpakis, Coburg
The 19-year-old tall defender is from South Morang, where he finished third in the best and fairest last year. The left-footer played for the Northern Knights as a bottom-ager in 2021 but fell out of favour 12 months later. Athletic and skilled, he appeals as one of the better prospects to come out of local football.
Will Kelly, Sydney
A versatile and valuable recruit for the Swans in the 195cm Kelly, who was delisted by Collingwood at the end of last season. He played AFL five matches for the Pies after joining them as a father-son selection in 2018.
Josh Kemp, Williamstown
And a third VFL club for Kemp, who has linked with Willy after stints at Essendon VFL and Coburg. Played 11 games for the Burgers last season.
Harrison Kennedy, Collingwood
The half-forward and wingman has linked with the Pies after three years with the Northern Bullants, where he played 22 senior games. Kennedy figured in Mick McGuane’s Keilor premiership team last year. His move to the Pies reunites him with coach Josh Fraser, whom he played under at the Ants in 2021.
Cooper Keogh, Coburg
The 200cm, 100kg Keogh gives the Burgers another ruck option after crossing from North Melbourne VFL, where he had seven games last year. He shared the league medal in Division 2 of the Essendon District league when playing for Coburg Districts in 2022.
Eddie King, Casey Demons
King gets high marks for initiative. The 18-year-old sent the Demons his highlights package from school football and Richmond Juniors. Invited to training, he was so impressive with his pace and poise that Casey gave him a contract before Christmas.
Flynn Kroeger, Port Melbourne
Kroeger knew nothing but knee troubles in his two years on Geelong’s list but the Borough have fingers crossed he’ll get a good run at it with them. His pace will be ace for a team that lacked zip last season.
Pala Kuma, Richmond
The 19-year-old was a popular addition to the list, having coming through the Tigers’ NGA program. Kuma grew up and played rugby in Tonga, and learned his football in the Sunraysia league with Robinvale-Euston. Tigers VFL GM and recruiter Oliver Grant calls him an “explosive’’ player, highlighting his speed, strength and agility from halfback. Kuma played six games with the Bendigo Pioneers last year.
Campbell Lake, Southport
The Sharks have gained a VFL premiership player in the diminutive and helmeted Lake, who was part of the Gold Coast team that defeated Werribee in last year’s grand final. He also appeared in the Suns’ Academy team and for Labrador in the QAFL.
Brayden La Planche, Casey Demons
The 189cm La Planche was co-captain of the strong Eastern Ranges team last season, playing at both ends of the ground and averaging 11.9 touches.
Bailey Lambert, Carlton
Frustratingly for the forward/midfielder, a shoulder injury restricted him to 12 games last year at Frankston. He decided to leave the Dolphins and the state league and return to Noble Park full-time. But a late approach from Carlton coach Luke Power has drawn him to Princes Park. Hopefully he can avoid injury; at his best he’s in the top bracket of VFL players.
Dylan Laurie, Coburg
The small defender makes the short drive along Bell St, linking with the Lions from neighbouring Northern Bullants, where he was a handy performer across 15 games last year.
Kane Loftus, Essendon
Playing at St Mary’s, Loftus was included in the Geelong Advertiser’s top 50 Geelong league players last year, with the Addy noting he was a “unique size for a winger’’.
Cooper Lord, North Melbourne
The midfielder was part of the Sandringham Dragons premiership team in the Coates Talent League last year, having 31 disposals in the grand final against Eastern. He averaged 20.8 disposals in his 12 outings at Under 18 level last year.
Robbie McComb, Port Melbourne
An outstanding recruit for the Borough in the former Bulldog, who with relentless running and uncompromising ball-winning rose from Footscray VFL to have two years on the senior list and play 18 AFL games, including 15 in 2022. Won the ’Scray’s best and fairest and was in the VFL team of the year in 2021.
Caleb Lewis, Casey Demons
Lewis had some good moments for Footscray VFL last year, kicking three goals in successive rounds, and also starred at amateur level for St Bede’s Mentone Tigers, nailing 49 goals from 14 outings. More senior opportunities should bring more exposure for the former Sandringham Dragon.
Ned Long, Collingwood
Long joins the VFL Maggies after five games in two years with Hawthorn. The tall midfielder played 16 matches for Box Hill Hawks last season, averaging 22.4 disposals. The Northern Knights graduate got his AFL chance via the 2021 rookie draft.
Cooper Macdonald, Collingwood
The speedy MacDonald – listed with Casey Demons last year – was part of Rowville’s 2023 breakthrough premiership team in the Eastern league, picking up a team-of-the-year gong to go with the flag.
Remy MacLean, Box Hill Hawks
The tall defender has joined the Hawks as a 19-year-old Eastern Ranges returnee. He came out of the East Ringwood Under 19s to be a Ranges regular late last season.
Ewan Macpherson, Brisbane
The son of Bulldogs favourite ‘Super’ has linked with Brisbane’s VFL squad after two strong seasons with Footscray. The right-footer was the ‘Scray’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal nomination last year and finished fourth in their best and fairest.
Harry Maguire, Port Melbourne
The former Sydney Swans Academy player is trying his luck at the Borough as a forward after bagging 83 goals across the past two seasons with Pennant Hills Demons in the AFL Sydney Premier Division. He won the league best and fairest last season with 57 goals from 19 outings. Maguire made three appearances for Sydney’s VFL team in 2022.
Ben Major, Coburg
Major, a key forward, has joined the Burgers from Broadbeach in the QAFL but he’s from Diamond Creek in Melbourne’s north and was in the AFL Academy squad in 2018-19 and went through the Northern Knights.
Ayui Makieng, Essendon
Google his name and you’ll find a few references to Makieng’s leap, with his VAFA club, University Blacks, last year describing him as “the man with the highest jump’’ in the jump and declaring he had “taken the competition by storm’’. He played 17 senior games for Blacks after transferring from Northcote Park. “
Tom McCarthy, Richmond
Tall midfielder McCarthy, 23, has won best and fairests in his past two seasons in local football, at Old Mentonians in 2022 and Highett last year. There has been a bit of buzz at Punt Rd about his pre-season.
Jason McCormick, Northern Bullants
The 173cm McCormick last year split his time between North Melbourne VFL and Eltham, where he figured in the Division 2 premiership alongside former Ant and now Kangaroos AFL rookie Finnbar Maley. He should be a useful recruit for the Bullants as they attempt to build under Rohan ‘Woosher’ Welsh.
Billy McGee Galimberti, Sandringham
When McGee Galimberti signed a contract with the Zebras, the former team mascot who idolised Sandy spearhead Nick Sautner extended his family’s long association with the club and the competition. He’s the son of stalwart Sandy administrator Dennis Galimberti and the great great grandson of Port Melbourne great Billy McGee. The defender was signed after an encouraging season in which he had 13 games and figured in the Sandringham Dragons’ premiership.
Rohan McKenzie, Northern Bullants
The 2023 Northern Knight becomes a Northern Bullant. He kicked 10 goals and averaged 15.6 disposals in the Coates Talent League last year as a small midfielder and crafty forward.
Brodie McLaughlin, Williamstown
Gold Coast’s 2023 supplemental-period selection could hardly have done more at the Suns, kicking 55 goals, including three in the grand final against Werribee, and gaining a VFL team-of-the-year plaque. It wasn’t enough to cop a delisting. The Towners made him a priority during a busy recruiting period and landed the right-footer, who should see plenty of the ball coming into the forward line.
Jimmy Miller, Port Melbourne
The 195cm powerhouse forward joins the Borough from South Fremantle but he knows his way to VFL grounds, having played at Frankston in 2019. The year before, in something like Winx showing up at picnic races, the Navy officer had played in the Cerberus team in Division 4 of the Southern league, kicking goals by the bagful and helping it to a premiership.
Steve Miller, Sydney
The forward and back-up ruckman has joined Ben Edwards in making the move from the WAFL to the VFL.
Tyson Milne, Frankston
He’s the son of former Saint Steve, but Tyson Milne is an accomplished player in his own right. He gave Sandringham a good 2023 season, averaging 20.8 possessions from 16 matches.
Harry Minton-Connell, Williamstown
Like Fitzgerald, Minton-Connell, the son of former AFL forward Simon, has crossed to Willy from Essendon VFL. The rebounding defender also had a stint at Port Melbourne in 2021.
Phil Moimoi, Sydney
The Swannies are thinking they have some possibilities with Moimoi, who was on Sandringham’s list last year and was also a prominent goalkicker with Geelong West in the Geelong league.
Diesel Moloney, Footscray Bulldogs
Moloney is a true son of the west, having won two league best and fairests at junior level in the Western Region league and then captaining the Western Jets last year in the Coates Talent League.
Rhett Montgomerie, Footscray Bulldogs
Recruited in the 2022 rookie draft, Montgomerie did not play an AFL game for Essendon but he did well enough in the VFL to finish third in the best and fairest. The tall defender weighed up a return to Adelaide but eventually opted to stay in Melbourne as he attempts to make a case for another AFL listing.
Ricky Monti, Essendon
“He is strong, clever and uses the ball well,’’ new Essendon coach Blake Caracella said recently of Monti, who finished runner-up in Golden Square’s best and fairest last year. “He is an exciting prospect for us, we love his flexibility and he has trained with the AFL senior team on occasion.”
Harper Montgomery, GWS
The son of Giants assistant coach Brett has made the move from Port Adelaide and North Adelaide in the SANFL.
Ollie Moran, Frankston
Anyone who watched Moran’s performance in Cheltenham’s historic premiership victory in the Southern league last year could see the young wingman was ready to rise to the state league. The Dolphins signed him just before Christmas, 12 months after he had trained at Kars St and been sent back to Chelt. With his speed and strength the right-footer could emerge as a surprise package this year.
Jesh Morgan, Southport
Morgan, 19, has played football in Queensland and Victoria, and picked up a Sharks deal after coming through the Park Orchards senior team in the strong Eastern league last year. In 2022 he had won the Clem Ryan and Keith Wallis Medal as the QAFL best and fairest. He made his senior debut for Noosa that same season.
Mitch Moschetti, Port Melbourne
The Borough snaffled the onballer from the VFL Blues, where he played three games early in the 2023 season and three more late. At local level, he had 16 matches for Hurstbridge, earning 10 mentions on the best-player list.
Owen Mulady, Port Melbourne
A left-foot wingman, Mulady has transferred from West Adelaide in the SANFL. But he’s from Melbourne’s north and went through the Knights system in the Under 18s.
Tom Murphy, Frankston
The Dolphins were desperately disappointed to lose Murphy, 25, at the end of 2022 but the six-game AFL Kangaroo has returned after a dominant year in local football with Somerville.
Amin Naim, Essendon
The 186cm Naim was one of Calders Cannons’ leading players in the Coates Talent League last year, booting 26 goals and averaging 14.2 disposals from his 14 matches.
Charlie Naish, Footscray Bulldogs
The son of former Tiger Chris has become a Dog after making one appearance for Richmond’s VFL team last year. Selected from Ivanhoe Grammar ranks, Naish kicked five goals for the AGSV against the APS last year, and 11 outings averaged almost 20 possessions per game for the Northern Knights.
Luke Nelson, Carlton
After finishing runner-up in Coburg’s best and fairest, Nelson stepped away from the VFL at the end of last season, like Bailey Lambert intending to play locally at Eastern power Noble Park. But he’s accepted an approach from the VFL Blues, where his nip will come in handy around the ball and wings.
Matthew Nelson, Frankston
The neat right-footer jagged a contract with the Dolphins in December and, to judge from his efforts with the Dandenong Stingrays in 2022-23, will push for selection on the flanks and wings. He’s the brother of Luke Nelson, who ran third in Coburg’s best and fairest last year.
Olly Northam, Werribee
Northam was with St Joseph’s in the Geelong league last year but in 2022 showed up as a promising ruckman at the Geelong Falcons, playing in the Vic Country team. He had also been a Victorian Under 16 representative. Northam will take his place alongside Sam Conway, Darcy Bennett and Kobe Annand in the Werribee ruck division.
Matt O’Brien, Collingwood
As O’Brien trained with the Magpies last year, he played some outstanding football with St Paul’s in the Southern league, with one admiring rival coach even taking to sending out a weekly report on O’Brien’s numbers through the midfield. Maggies recruiter Adam Shepard was a premiership coach with St Paul’s and presumably smoothed his passage to the Pies.
Tarkyn O’Leary, Sandringham
Considered one of the hardluck stories of the AFL draft, the speedy O’Leary has joined the Zebras with the aim of pushing for the rookie-list position that St Kilda will give each year to a Sandy player. He did well in two matches for Sandringham last year, kicking three goals. O’Leary figured in the Sandringham Dragons’ Coates Talent League premiership team, having 14 disposals in the grand final, and won the 2km time trial at the draft combine.
Heath Ollington, Williamstown
The 190cm forward from Tasmania has made quite an impression in his short time at Willy. Ollington kicked 20 goals for the Tassie Devils in the Coates Talent League last year and was part of the victorious Allies team at the Under 18 national carnival. He’s pushing for Round 1 selection.
Xavier O’Neill, Essendon
The former West Coast Eagle, who came out of Blackburn juniors and the Oakleigh Chargers, has returned to Melbourne as he eyes a return to the AFL. Pick No. 28 at the 2018 national draft, he made 39 appearances with the Eagles, including 15 last year.
Tomoya Owens, Frankston
The former basketballer, the brother of former Dolphin Kai, broke into Sandringham’s senior side last year and finished with 13 games. Athletic and 196cm, he’s quite a prospect as a tall wingman.
Luke Parks, Williamstown
Another AFL-experienced player sets up home at Point Gellibrand. Rookie listed ahead of 2021, Parks had eight AFL matches for Carlton and stayed with the Blues’ VFL team after being delisted at the end of 2022. He is from NSW and went to the Glenelg in the SANFL, where he caught Carlton’s attention. Willy see him as a defender with the polish and poise to initiate attacks.
Jaelen Pavlidis, Werribee
After graduating from the Western Jets as the joint winner of the 2022 best and fairest, Pavlidis played 16 matches for the GWS VFL team last season, averaging 13.8 disposals. He’s gone to the club where his father, John, played more than 30 years earlier.
Jet Peckett, Frankston
A much-decorated junior, the 20-year-old son of former top AFL Saint Justin found his senior bearings in local football at Bonbeach. Top Mornington Peninsula scribe Simon McEvoy described him a “speedy wingman with a huge tank and a knack of kicking clutch goals’’.
Jack Peris, Essendon
The son of Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris is part of a new-look Essendon VFL squad after spending some of his summer training with Gold Coast, which assessed him as a supplementary selection period signing. Starting out as a category B rookie, the pacy Peris played one AFL game in his two years at St Kilda.
Jovan Petric, Williamstown
The young tall forward had a busy 2023, playing at the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League and with Keilor in the Essendon District league. He was also on Collingwood’s VFL development list. Petric figured in the Mick McGuane-coached Keilor premiership team, booting 24 goals from six games with the Bulldogs, including a haul of 11.
Nathan Philactides, Box Hill Hawks
The left-foot defender with speed to spend had a sample of the VFL last year with Richmond. He put together a good season for the Oakleigh Chargers, averaging 19.3 disposals and 4.8 rebound 50s, and appeared in all four of Victoria Metro’s matches at the Under 18 national championships.
Sam Philp, Port Melbourne
Hopefully for the Borough speedy small forward Philp will get a good run at it as he returns from an injury-shadowed 2023 season in which he played only two matches for Carlton’s VFL team. The No 20 pick in the 2019 national draft made two AFL appearances but has spent the past two years more watching than playing. If he’s fit, he’ll keep the league’s best backmen busy.
Tyson Pickett, Northern Bullants
The brother of AFL premiership Tiger Marlion is a former WAFL player, and topped the goalkicking and finished second in the best and fairest at Fitzroy Stars last year.
Hamish Pierson, Werribee
Pierson, a defender, trained with the Bees last year as a Geelong Falcon, for whom he made 14 appearances in the Coates Talent League.
Corey Preston, Werribee
The classy Preston heads further west, joining the Bees from Williamstown, where he was entrenched as a senior player, playing every game in 2022 and again last year, when he averaged 16.1 possessions from 20 matches. Doubtless he will be out to lift his numbers at Werribee, helping pick up the slack created by the departures of top-liners Tommy Gribble, Shaun Mannagh, Matt Hanson and Michael Sodomaco.
Jamie Quick, Werribee
Quick was on Geelong’s VFL books last year, making five appearances. At local level the mid-size forward was a force with North Ballarat under Brendan McCartney, slotting 51 goals in 16 games.
Lachlan Rankin, Port Melbourne
Of all Port Melbourne’s recruits, the coaches expect delisted Swan Rankin to be one of the most influential with his dash and delivery from the halfback line. Rankin was drafted from the Oakleigh Chargers with pick 58 in the 2021 national draft and played 38 VFL games for the Swannies, last year averaging 19.2 disposals.
Stefan Radovanovic, Werribee
The strongly-built defender was an impressive performer for Carlton VFL in 2021-22, at one stage earning mentions as a draft hope. Injury and overseas travel kept him out of the VFL last year, but the Bees have enticed him back, bolstering their backline.
Elijah Reardon, Southport
Reardon is making the jump to the VFL after 83 games with Kingborough Tigers in the Tasmanian State League. The running defender played 19 games last season, averaging 17 disposals, and was selected in the team of the year and played for the representative side that defeated Queensland.
Osca Riccardi, Geelong
The young Cat, the son of Peter, has chosen to join Geelong’s VFL program after being bumped from the AFL list. Riccardi played 13 VFL games last season and finished it strongly, with 22 touches against the Bullants in Round 19, 20 against Collingwood in Round 21 and 22 against GWS in Round 22.
Corey Rich, Williamstown
The Towners’ former leading goalkicker has returned to the club after playing with Old Haileybury in the VAFA in 2023. His nip and nose for a goal will add another element to Willy’s forward line this year.
Pierce Roseby, Sydney
The former Swans Academy player has returned to his home city after a stint at Frankston, where he played 22 games in two seasons.
Michael Rudd, Carlton
Left-footer Rudd was a forward at Geelong Falcons last year but he’s showed some promise in the preseason as a tall defender with the Blues. He played for Vic Country at the national Under 18 championships last season.
Mitch Ryan, Sandringham
Ryan spent last season with GWS, playing 11 games. But he’s a Victorian: he played for the Sandringham Dragons in 2022, figuring in their 2022 premiership after being pushed up for Coates Talent League duties by Doncaster East coach Ryan James.
Harry Scott, Richmond
Tiger diehards will recall Allister Scott for his 19 games for the Tigers in the early 1990s. Harry is his son, and joins Richmond VFL from Gippsland Power, where as a flanker and midfielder he played 12 games last year and averaged 17.7 possessions.
Marc Sheather, GWS
The Giants were quick to put a contract to Sheather after his delisting from Sydney. The Academy member joined the Swans as a category B rookie in 2021, had more than his share of injuries and played three AFL games last year.
Will Sexton, Southport
Sexton unites with his brother Jack at the Sharks after an impressive season with the Northern Bullants. Both Sextons played for Yarrawonga in its 2022 grand final season.
Kobe Shipp, Casey Demons
Coming out of Dandenong Stingrays, Shipp has joined the club where his father, Andrew, was a premiership player and Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner. The Stingrays considered Shipp junior a rookie hope after he finished the 2023 season with the flourish of 26, 24, 22 and 25 possessions.
Hamish Sinnott, Geelong
The versatile Sinnott played two VFL games for Carlton last year. More impressively, the 19-year-old won the Hampden league best and fairest medal for Camperdown with 18 votes. He was also crowned the league’s Rising Star, good credentials as he eyes regular selection with the Cats.
Iliro Smit, Box Hill Hawks
Introduced to senior football by the great Gary Ayres at Montrose, ruckman Smit will split his time between the Hawks and as a 19-year-old at Eastern Ranges.
Baker Smith, Port Melbourne
The former Tasmanian had some standout performances for the Northern Bullants last year but a four-week suspension for rough conduct bit into his season. The Ants nominated him for the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal. Port will be Smith’s third club; he was at Williamstown in 2022.
Deakyn Smith, North Melbourne
A Melbourne-to-North Melbourne move for Smith, who was delisted by the Demons despite winning Casey’s best and fairest, averaging 15 disposals and four marks across 20 matches. Smith had joined the Demons as a pre-season supplemental selection in 2021 after coming out of the Dandenong Stingrays and the Melbourne Next Generation Academy. He played 44 VFL matches for Casey.
Roarke Smith, Port Melbourne
Smith, 27, shapes as one of the recruits of the VFL season. Of course he does; in 2021 he played in the Western Bulldogs’ grand final team, kicking their first goal against Melbourne. It was the high point of a 47-match career that ran from 2015 to 2023 but was blighted by knee injuries and, last year, a foot problem. Aside from his AFL tally, the leftie played 64 VFL games, including Footscray’s 2016 premiership win over Casey.
Ryan Sparkes, Collingwood
From Wonthaggi and one of the leading midfielders in the strong Gippsland league, Sparkes is having a second stint in the VFL; he played seven matches for Casey Demons in 2021 after going through Gippsland Power.
Phoenix Spicer, Footscray Bulldogs
The 22-year-old speedster is looking to get his AFL career going again after being bumped at North Melbourne. His three seasons with the Roos produced 12 AFL games, six of them last year.
Tyson Sruk, Carlton
Playing as a midfielder and halfback, Sruk won the best and fairest at Eastern Ranges last year, giving one of his best performances in the grand final against Sandringham Dragons. He also had some senior games for Rowville in the Eastern league.
Tom Stapleton, Essendon
The 200cm Stapleton signed with the Northern Bullants last year but ended up playing only locally at Maribyrnong Park.
Ryley Stoddart, Williamstown
In a boost for Willy and a blow for Frankston, the ace left-footer and former Sydney Swan joined Dolphins best and fairest Will Fordham in making the move to the Towners. Averaged 26.1 disposals from 14 matches last season, and will help Willy bolster a backline thinned by the departures of Oscar McDonald to Fremantle and Marty Hore back to Melbourne.
Mitch Szybkowski, Casey
Widely considered the hardluck story of the 2022 draft, the Dandenong Stingrays midfielder joined Frankston last year and had an encouraging season, but he’s chosen to switch to the Melbourne-aligned Demons.
Tom Toma, Essendon
Toma is coming off a best-and-fairest season at Golden Square, where he returned last year. The midfielder had also won its top trophy in in 2015 and 2017. “He has provided great maturity and leadership for our young group,’’ Essendon coach Blake Caracella told The Weekly Times.
Bailey Tome, Northern Bullants
Tome is another Queenslander to land at Cramer St. A rugged midfielder, he was part of the Brisbane Lions Academy in 2022 and was with Mt Gravatt in the WAFL last year.
Donovan Toohey, Coburg
Another notable signing from amateur football for the Lions in 2023 Fitzroy best and fairest Toohey, who at 23 should have an impact as a defender and midfielder.
Josh Tovey, Box Hill Hawks
Tovey, out of Park Orchards, was among the best for Eastern Ranges in their grand final loss to Sandringham Dragons, having fought hard at centre half back. At 193cm he’s a feisty competitor and will be giving it his all as a first-year Hawk.
Cooper Trembath, North Melbourne
The tall defender made his VFL debut last year with a late-season appearance for Frankston. He’s at the Roos as a 19-year-old player with Eastern Ranges.
Joel Trudgeon, Coburg
The Lions have made an excellent signing in Trudgeon, who lined up at Box Hill Hawks last year and managed only three senior games. But the midfielder played 20 matches for Carlton’s VFL team in 2022 and regularly had more than 20 possessions (including 34 against Coburg).
Kye Turner, Port Melbourne
The key defender had a stirring rise to the Melbourne rookie list early last year, only to suffer injury and play only six games for the Casey Demons. With his marking power and speed he’s a good fit for a Borough team that needed to fortify its backline.
Tristen Waack, Williamstown
From Morwell, where he rose under the coaching of former VFA/VFL champion Denis Knight, Waack spent last year at Box Hill Hawks, playing six senior matches. He’s hoping for more openings at the stand-alone Seagulls.
Will Wallace, Northern Bullants
The tall defender figured in a premiership at country club Mount Pleasant last year. He had an Under 18 stint at Bendigo Pioneers, finishing second in their best and fairest in 2019.
Tobe Watson, Port Melbourne
The 191cm backman brings AFL experience to North Port Oval, having played 14 matches with Fremantle. Watson, 25, has spent the past two seasons with Swan Districts in the WAFL.
Christian Webster, Southport
Another talented and emerging player for the Sharks in 19-year-old key defender Webster, a Sydney Swans Academy product. In the past two seasons he’s played for the Swans in the VFL, for the Allies in the Under 18 nationals and for Pennant Hills in the AFL Sydney Premier Division.
Cooper Whyte, Werribee
The 20-year-old heads to Chirnside Park after two years and one AFL game at Geelong, which selected him at No 64 in the 2021 national draft. The midfielder should come through quickly with the Bees.
Reuben William, Werribee
The three-game former Brisbane Lion is resuming his VFL career at Chirnside Park: he played a dozen matches for the Bees in 2022 after making the move from Footscray VFL.
Ethan Williams, GWS
Williams entered senior football at Port Melbourne Colts at the age of 16 before getting his start at the Sandringham Dragons under coach Wayne Cripps. A connection made, Williams has followed Cripps to the Giants after featuring in the Dragons’ premiership last year.
Nick Williams, Southport
From Surfers Paradise, Williams, a 190cm defender, was part of the Allies team that won the Under 18 national championships this year. He also played five VFL games for eventual premier Gold Coast and five more for the Suns Academy in the Coates Talent League. Williams is originally from Tasmania but moved to the Gold Coast five years ago.
Lane Ward, Box Hill Hawks
Ward has made the move to the City Oval with his best mate and Gippsland Power teammate Seb Amoroso. He’s an accomplished midfielder who averaged 22.6 disposals from 14 matches for Power in 2023.
Bayleigh Welsh, Sandringham
The Zebras have regularly lost players to Frankston in the past few years. Welsh, a former captain of the Dandenong Stingrays, goes the other way, joining Sandy after two years as a Dolphin. He has played mostly as a defender but the Zebs say they’ll “explore his potential in the midfield’’ in 2024.
Dane Whitnall, Northern Bullants
The strong-marking 195cm son of former Carlton captain Lance played every game for North Heidelberg in the Northern league last year after graduating from the Calder Cannons. He can play at both ends of the ground and even take a turn in the ruck.
Cam Wild, Port Melbourne
Wild has crossed to the Borough after giving stout service to the Northern Bullants in nine games last year. He was previously with Collingwood’s VFL team.
Kai Windsor, Casey Demons
Just as his younger brother Caleb became a Demon in the AFL draft, Kai Windsor will be a VFL Dee after crossing from Box Hill Hawks. Kai had also come out of Eastern Ranges, reaching Vic Metro level in 2022 and parading his pace in the NAB League.
Wal Wuol, Northern Bullants
The one-game Casey Demon has headed north in search of more senior opportunities. Wuol, 22, spent last season in the Eastern league with Berwick, where he made a rapid rise after playing soccer.
Lachie Young, Carlton
More Coverage
Carlton overcame strong competition to sign Young, with Essendon also pursuing the 24-year-old. He’s still eager to play at the highest level after runs with the Western Bulldogs (eight games) and North Melbourne (39).
Logan Young, Sandringham
Onballer Young has been a much-travelled footballer in the past three years. From WA, where he was a Colts best and fairest, he linked with the Sandringham Dragons in 2021, having a top-up run with North Melbourne and Sydney. He returned to WA to join West Coast Eagles’ WAFL side in 2022 but an ACL kept him out of football this year.
How Tassie stadium greenlight is a win for the NT’s AFL team push
NTFA: Every clubs’ recruits, re-signings for 2026
New Bombers coach targets youth-led ‘reset’ after player exits
Top End footy battles wild weather following Tasmania’s stadium debate
90+ names: The greatest players in QAFL history
