VFL 2026: Latest recruiting news, signings in Victorian Football League

The Tigers have lost ace first-year player Massimo Raso, who has accepted an offer to join Werribee.

Recruited from the Western Jets at the end of 2024, the 171cm Raso gave Richmond an excellent first season, kicking 26 goals and averaging 12.6 disposals from his 20 matches.

The VFL made him a finalist in the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal awarded to the most likely player under the age of 24, and he’s considered a rookie-list chance in the AFL draft.

But the Tigers have brought in a like-for-like replacement, securing Christopher Scerri from Preston.

With the Bullants unceremoniously booted out of the VFL, Scerri needed a new home and a number of clubs came at him with their addresses, including Coburg.

But on Monday the 19-year-old chose to join Richmond’s VFL program, which has produced a string of AFL draftees in the past few years.

Few players rose in the VFL more quickly or impressively this year than the 177cm right-footer. Last year he played for the Strathmore Under 18s and school football with St Bernard’s.

Bullants assistant coach Rocky Iannello came across him and invited him to pre-season training. He made the list, played every game and was judged best first-year player after averaging 12.4 disposals and 3.8 tackles for a team that won two games.

Scerri finished his season by winning the best-afield medal in Strathmore’s grand final victory over Micky McGuane’s Keilor in the Essendon District league.

AFL scouts are interested in him: he was among a group of players tested by Fremantle at Maribyrnong Sports Academy two weeks ago.

Richmond, a finalist in the VFL this year, has also lost its top onballer Lachie Wilson, who has won the past two best and fairests.

A star with Heidelberg at local level, Wilson, 27, has joined Port Melbourne.

He told this masthead he was excited at the prospect of playing under Brendan McCartney and James Hird and helping the Borough climb the ladder.

Richmond’s other losses include Will Bravo and Nick Girolami, both of whom have committed to Subiaco in the WAFL, and Jhett Haeata, who has crossed to Sandringham.

Wilson is Port’s third notable signing: it has also locked in former Footscray VFL captain and utility Josh Chatfield, who spent this year with Deer Park, and Collingwood’s Josh Tovey.

The Borough have also been linked with former Hawk Connor Downie, who was with North Melbourne VFL this year.

But Port has been disappointed to lose up-and-coming ruckman Ajang Kuol mun.

After carrying the ruck division through 18 games and averaging 27 hit-outs and 11.6 disposals, the 22-year-old has told Port he’s heading to Werribee.

The Borough are also unsure if they’ll hold on to former Kangaroo Charlie Lazzarro, who is also believed to have had talks with the Bees.

While Coburg missed out on Scerri, it did land Essendon VFL backman Will Hoare, who trained with the Dons at the start of the year as an SSP hopeful.

“Will, as an experienced key defender, addresses a clear list need for us. He will come in, bring his strengths, and continue to develop his game with our exciting and talented defensive group,’’ the Lions said on social media.

The Bombers have signed top Shepparton Swan Max Clohesy, who was on Richmond’s VFL list this year.

Ed Perryman, the brother of Collingwood’s Harry, will train with the VFL Magpies after a fine season with Ovens and Murray club Lavington.

Perryman, 25, who played 14 games for the Giants in the NEAFL in 2019, won Lavington’s best and fairest this year by “a country mile’’, according to coach Adam Schneider.

“He’s an extremely smart player with great skills and great awareness, and he can tear a game apart in a matter of moments,’’ Schneider said.

“He also likes to hit the scoreboard and kick some goals.

“It was his first year in the Ovens and Murray and he came out and played some really good footy. He’s got something pretty special, I reckon.’’

Schneider said Perryman would live with his brother when he headed to Melbourne to train with the Magpies.