2020 NFNL Transfer News


Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2020

See which players will have new homes when football returns in the NFNL.

The 2020 NFNL season has been postponed until at least May 31 due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

Continue below for all the major news from the transfer table and as clubs announce their newest signings.

The transfer window has been temporarily suspended as of March 19. The NFNL will make a public announcement once it is reopened by the AFL.

For the full list of transfers to and from NFNL clubs, please head to www.nfnl.org.au/player-transfers.


MARCH 23

COVID-19 STATEMENT

The NFNL has issued an updated statement on the 2020 season amidst the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Please read the statement below:

“The NFNL, in conjunction with the EFNL, SFNL, WRFL and VAFA, has issued an updated statement regarding the 2020 season.

Following yesterday’s announcement by the AFL to suspend the 2020 season until May 31, the Northern FNL, Eastern FNL, Southern FNL, Western Region FL and Victorian Amateur Football Association have collectively decided to postpone their respective seasons until May 31.

The senior community leagues were united in their support of the AFL’s decision and look forward to working with AFL Victoria to work through all associated issues.

The health and wellbeing of our players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and associated stakeholders remains our first priority, as is the sustainability of all of our clubs.

We urge all associated with our respective communities to heed the advice and regulations in place by order of the State Government.

Further updates will be provided in due course via your respective League or Association.”


MARCH 18

• Greensborough has lodged a transfer for FLETCHER McIVOR, although Heidelberg has denied the initial request.

The midfielder joined the Tigers from Queensland last year and impressed throughout the 2019 season.

McIvor finished fifth in Heidelberg’s best and fairest award after booting 17 goals in 17 appearances to help steer the club back to the finals for the first time since 2016.

His cousin Jordan was a member of Greensborough’s beaten grand final side last year.

The Boro have today also lodged transfers for former North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs midfielder NATHAN HROVAT and former Gippsland Power representative MARCUS TOUSSAINT.

The Boro announced the signing of Hrovat last month.

The 25-year-old played played 69 AFL games for Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne between 2013 to 2019.

He will be available to line up for the Boro between North Melbourne VFL commitments.

• Bundoora has secured a transfer for star youngster RYAN STURGESS.

The St Mary’s junior was bitterly unlucky not to have found his way onto an AFL list during the off-season.

Sturgess represented Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18s Championships and was a standout for the Northern Knights in the NAB League, where he was named in the best players in nine of 13 matches.


MARCH 17

COVID-19 STATEMENT

The NFNL has issued a statement on the 2020 season, following a meeting of the six senior metropolitan community leagues.

Please read the statement below:

“Following a meeting of the six senior metropolitan community leagues today, including the NFNL, EDFL, EFNL, SFNL, VAFA and WRFL, please refer to the following statement.

The decision has been made to manage the COVID-19 issue for community football, netball and umpiring with a staged approach.

A collective decision has been made to postpone all community senior and junior football and winter-season netball competitions until the weekend of Saturday, May 2, 2020.

All Leagues agreed to suspend practice matches effective immediately and recommend that club training ceases until further notice.

The Leagues will re-convene on Tuesday, April 14 to review and/or confirm this commencement date, subject to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This decision has been reached with consideration to Consistency, League and Club Sustainability and the Health and Welfare of all stakeholders.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding with this matter.”


MARCH 16

COVID-19 STATEMENT

The AFL has today released a statement announcing the postponement of all State League competitions and national state talent programs until May 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continue below to read the statement:

“The AFL wishes to advise that following a meeting with AFL State CEOs a collective decision has been made to postpone the operation and / or the commencement of each premier State League and national and state talent program across the country.

The decision was collectively agreed upon based on the part-time nature of these competitions and the financial implications for the State League clubs and State Leagues.

This decision is effective until May 31.

The AFL will continue to explore all fixturing alternatives to ensure matches are played, however, acknowledges the situation is fluid and any decision made may change.”


MARCH 15

• Whittlesea midfielder CHRIS McCABE has been approved a move to Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 rival West Preston-Lakeside.

The 23-year-old was a member of Whittlesea’s grand final win over Banyule last September and played 16 matches for the Eagles throughout the 2019 premiership campaign.

McCabe has been listed by the Northern Blues since 2015 and last year made two appearances for the club, taking his tally to 20 VFL games.

He has also played senior football with Eltham and Panton Hill.

• Macleod has been approved a transfer for Darley youngster JOSEPH NESCI. The 19-year-old played two senior games in the Ballarat Football League last year and was a standout in the under-19s competition. Nesci made 15 senior appearances for South Mildura in 2018.

• Two-time VU Western Spurs premiership player ELLA BANFIELD has joined West Brunswick in the VAFA. Banfield featured in the Spurs Division 2 premiership sides in both 2019 and 2017. She played 44 games with the club over the past three years after joining from Kyneton.


MARCH 13

• Former West Preston-Lakeside captain NICK MEESE will return to local football with Aberfeldie.

The star ruckman led the Roosters to the 2010 NFNL Division 1 premiership – winning the competition best and fairest award in the same year.

He then progressed to the VFL, playing with the Northern Blues in 2011 and 2012, before spending the past seven years with Williamstown.

With the Seagulls he established himself as one of the premier big men in state-league football before pulling the pin on his VFL career at the end of the 2019 season.

Meese was a member of the Seagulls’ 2015 flag and claimed their best-and-fairest in 2017. He was named in the VFL Team of the Year in each of the past six seasons.

Despite keeping West Preston-Lakeside as his nominated local club throughout his VFL career, Meese will return to local football with EDFL powerhouse Aberfeldie.

• Coburg has today lodged permits for Northcote Park’s KYLE GALLOWAY and Montmorency’s BRAEDYN GILLARD.

The Lions announced the signing of Galloway in December.

The 208cm ruckman had a strong 2019 season for Northcote Park, finishing third in the club’s best and fairest in his first year at Bill Lawry Oval.

A former Sydney-listed rookie, Galloway has previously spent time in the VFL with Werribee.

Gillard will continue with Coburg for a second season after making four VFL appearances in 2019 in his first year out of the TAC Cup.

The former Northern Knights captain also played nine senior games for Montmorency last year.


MARCH 12

• Macleod looks set to regain four-time Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year star NED McKEOWN.

The 24-year-old spent the 2019 season with North Albury in the Ovens & Murray Football League.

McKeown was runner-up for the Frank Rosbrook Medal in 2018, finishing two votes behind tied winners Michael Brunelli and Lucas Hobbs. It was the second time he had placed for the award, after finishing third in 2015 while playing at Bundoora.

The three-time NFNL representative played 60 matches for Macleod between 2016 to 2019 and featured in each of the Roos’ three-consecutive grand final defeats.

McKeown also played 31 matches for Bundoora between 2013 and 2015, sharing his time between the Bulls and Collingwood’s VFL side.

• Essendon VFL captain AARON HEPPELL has changed his nominated home club to Northcote Park, in another major coup for the Cougars.

Heppell, the younger brother of Essendon’s AFL skipper Dyson, is a two-time best and fairest winner for the VFL Bombers.

The 25-year-old has played 88 VFL games and represented Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup.

He joins Northcote Park from Leongatha and has also played senior football with Strathmore.

• Port Melbourne midfielder MACK RIVETT has made North Heidelberg his local club for the 2020 season.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been a standout for the Borough over the past two VFL campaigns.

Rivett represented Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup and has also played senior football for Old Scotch in the VAFA.

Meanwhile, North Heidelberg young gun CURTIS BROWN will link up with North Melbourne in the VFL.

The 19-year-old played three games for the Bulldogs last year and was among the club’s best players in the preliminary final loss to West Preston-Lakeside.

Brown also played 18 games for Calder Cannons in the NAB League last year.

MATT DORNAUF will return to Whittlesea for the club’s return to Meadows Greyhounds Division 1.

The goal-kicking midfielder kicked 120 goals in 90 matches in two previous stints for the Eagles and was a member of the club’s 2010 and 2015 premiership teams, winning the club’s best and fairest in 2015.

Dornauf spent 2019 with Macleod and played 13 games with the Roos.

He was also a member of Epping’s 2012 Division 2 premiership team and has spent time on Essendon’s VFL squad.

The return of Dornauf will assist the Eagles offset the departure of JAY RUSSELL, who is looking to join Lancefield.

The 25-year-old has played 85 games for the Eagles since 2014 and was a member of the club’s 2019 and 2015 premiership teams.


MARCH 11

• Northcote Park has continued to add to its playing stocks as it looks to rise up the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 ladder

The Cougars have lodged incoming transfers for seven players, including 2012 premiership duo ANTHONY HOGAN and OLIVER McEWAN, Epping defender REED JEPSON and emerging trio JACK SAMMARTINOJACK BROOKS and BRAYDEN KING.

Hogan previously played 79 games for Northcote Park between 2007 and 2012 and was best afield in the club’s 2012 grand final win over Heidelberg. He has previously been a member of Collingwood’s VFL team but has not played a game since 2015.

McEwan featured for Northcote Park 77 times between 2010 and 2015 and was the first-choice ruckman in the 2012 premiership team. He joined Yackandandah in 2016 and has spent the past three years with Albury in the Ovens & Murray Football League.

Jepson’s first two transfer requests to the Cougars have both been denied. After finishing runner-up in Epping’s best and fairest in 2018, he endured an injury-ravaged 2019, where he managed just three games. The defender played 69 games for Preston Bullants in the VAFA and was a member of the club’s 2014 premiership team.

Sammartino is a 19-year-old forward who has booted 63 goals for Preston Bullants in the VAFA Division 1 competition over the past two years. He finished second in the competition goal kicking in 2019 with 50 majors and was a member of the Bullants’ premiership side.

19-year-old Brooks played 14 senior games for Yarrawonga last year and has been a noted goal kicker throughout the junior ranks. He booted 47 goals in the Ovens & Murray Football League under-18 competition in 2018.

King joins from Kew, where he kicked 18 goals in the VAFA Division 1 competition last year. The 19-year-old has played 18 senior games over the past two years.

• West Preston-Lakeside premiership hero MATTHEW SIGNORELLO will continue with VFL club Port Melbourne in 2020.

The former Adelaide-listed midfielder played seven games for the Roosters last year and returned for the grand final, where he was among the best players on the ground to steer the club to a 12-point win over Greensborough.

Signorello played 12 games for Port Melbourne last year and was a member of the club’s preliminary final team that fell to Richmond.

BEN FOGARTY has departed Heidelberg West after one season with the club. Fogarty joined as a playing-assistant to Cam Van Florestein last year and played 15 games. The former Altona and Kilsyth midfielder is looking to join Montrose in the Eastern Football Netball League.


MARCH 10

• Bundoora legend GARY MOORCROFT has been approved a move to join Bright in the Ovens & King Football League.

The 43-year-old had announced his retirement from the game late last season and played his 172nd and final game for the Bulls in their Round 18 loss to North Heidelberg.

However, it was announced in November that Moorcroft would line-up for Bright in the 2020 season.

A premiership player with Essendon in 2000, Moorcroft joined Bundoora in 2011 and went on to become one of the club’s most decorated players.

He kicked 578 goals in 172 appearances for Bundoora and spearheaded the club to premierships in 2011, 2013 and 2017.

Moorcroft topped the Division 1 goal kicking table in 2016 and 2012 and was named in the Division 1 Team of the Year on five occasions.

• Epping has added to its goal kicking stocks, signing Tasmanian forward TOM MITCHELL.

The 26-year-old has formerly played with Burnie in the Tasmanian State League and has enjoyed premiership success with Wynyard in the North West Football League of Tasmania.

He moving north for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where he booted 109 goals in 35 appearances as playing-coach for Yeoman in the Darwin Football Association.

• Mernda midfielder TYSON SPARKES has submitted a transfer to join Lyndhurst in the Southern Football Netball League.

Sparkes was a consistent contributor for the Demons in his sole season with the club in 2019. He finished second in the best and fairest voting, booting 14 goals from the midfield.

The 29-year-old joined Mernda from Springvale Districts and has also played senior football with Tyabb, South Mornington and Mornington.

• Heidelberg has welcomed young goal kicker JYE LEWIS. The 19-year-old played 16 senior matches for West Brunswick last year. The year prior he booted 38 goals for Shepparton United in the Golburn Valley Football League under-18 competition.

• Thomastown has been approved transfers for TYLA BARROW and NATHAN VALKANIS. Barrow played five senior matches for Bundoora in 2019 and was a member of the Bulls’ back-to-back reserves premierships wins over the past two seasons. Valkanis has averaged a goal a game in 46 appearances for Ivanhoe over the past four years.

• Reservoir has signed Dayleford’s MATTHEW McINTOSH for the 2020 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 campaign. The 30-year-old played 15 senior games in the Central Highlands Football League last year.


MARCH 9

• Eltham defender DANIEL COFFIELD will again line-up for Richmond’s VFL team in 2020.

Coffield had a year to remember in 2019 – winning the Tigers’ best and fairest in their premiership campaign. He was also named in the back pocket in the VFL Team of the Year.

He has played 62 VFL games since joining Richmond in 2016.

Coffield made two appearances for Eltham during the 2019 NFNL season and has played a total of 49 games for the Panthers.

• Watsonia’s TYRONE LEONARDIS will continue with VFL club North Melbourne.

The former Sydney-listed midfielder has played 31 VFL games for the Kangaroos over the past two seasons.

He made two appearances for Watsonia in 2019 after changing his nominated local club from Montmorency, who played for four times in 2018.


MARCH 7

• Heidelberg has been dealt a major blow, with 2019 best and fairest runner-up JACK BLAIR requesting a transfer to return to Wonthaggi.

The tough midfielder joined the Tigers from Collingwood’s VFL side and was a standout throughout the 2019 season.

Blair earned selection in the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year and finished fifth in the Coaches MVP voting.

In October it was announced that he would join his brother, 2010 Collingwood premiership player Jarryd, at Port Melbourne for the 2020 VFL season.

However, he has now moved to make his nominated home side Wonthaggi, where he played junior football as well as 87 senior matches.


MARCH 5

• Bundoora has lodged transfers for journeyman forward ARON BURNS and Northern Knights product JACKSON DAVIES.

A premiership player with Heidelberg and best and fairest winner at Hurstbridge, Burns is looking to return to the NFNL after spending the past two seasons at Kinglake – where he booted 62 goals in 20 appearances.

Davies captained the Northern Knights in 2019 and joins the Bulls after playing junior football with St Mary’s.

The 18-year-old has also signed on with VFL club Coburg but will be eligible to play with Bundoora when availability permits.

The rebounding defender can also play through the midfield and featured in the 2019 AFL Draft state combine

• Darebin midfielder TAMARA OLCORN is looking to make a move to Montmorency.

Olcorn claimed the Division 1 Women’s Coaches MVP in 2019 and was named in the Team of the Year.

She has been a member of the NFNL representative women’s football team in both of the past two seasons.

• Northcote Park recruit WILL MITCHELL will link up with VFL club Sandringham. The 23-year-old, who is the son of Cougars coach Barry and brother of 2018 Brownlow medalist Tom, represented the VAFA in its clash with the WAAFL last year. He joined Northcote Park from Old Scotch, where he was a key contributor in steering the Cardinals to the 2019 VAFA Premier B grand final.

• Kilmore has lodged a transfer for goal kicker JOSH DART. The 29-year-old has booted 58 goals for Frankston Dolphins in the Southern Football Netball League fourth division over the past two years. He has also played senior football for Endeavour Hills and Caulfield.


MARCH 4

• A further three NFNL players have been permitted to the VFL, with reigning A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 best and fairest RILEY LOTON, two-time West Preston-Lakeside player GARRETT McDONAGH and Fitzroy Stars recruit AIDYN JOHNSON all joining Richmond.

Loton last year shared the second division best and fairest with Brent Macaffer and Xavier Dimasi and was a member of Banyule’s defeated grand final team.

The 20-year-old midfielder was a member of the Bears’ third division premiership team in 2017. He has previously represented the Northern Knights and was part of the NFNL’s under-19 representative team in 2018.

McDonagh has been an integral part of West Preston-Lakeside’s back-to-back premiership triumphs over the past two seasons, with the raking left footer among the best players on the grand in last year’s upset grand final win over Greensborough.

He has previously played seven VFL games for Northern Blues and Coburg.

Johnson, who joined the Stars in February, played 11 AFL games between 2017 and 2019 after being drafted by Port Adelaide with pick No. 45 in the 2015 National Draft.

• Macleod has lodged a transfer for emerging St Mary’s young gun RHYS RIGONI. The 18-year-old played four senior matches for the Burra in 2019 and was a standout throughout the Division 1 under-19 campaign – featuring in his side’s best players in three of four finals, including the grand final defeat to Eltham.


MARCH 3

• VFL club Collingwood has lodged permits for three NFNL players, including Diamond Creek star JACOB BOOTH, Northcote Park recruit JACKSON WILLIAMS and Eltham youngster LANE SINCLAIR.

22-year-old Booth has been one of the standout players in A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 since 2017. He has claimed Diamond Creek’s best and fairest for the past three seasons, has twice been named in the Team of the Year and finished inside the top-five of the Coaches MVP award in both 2018 and 2019.

Williams submitted a transfer to Northcote Park earlier this off-season after a dominant 2019 campaign with MPNFL club Frankston Bombers, where he was named among the best players in eight of 17 matches. The 19-year-old represented Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League in 2018.

Sinclair has made 38 appearances in Eltham’s senior side since 2017, despite still being eligible to play under-19 football as recently as last year. He was a member of the Panthers’ 2018 grand final team and played a further 16 matches in 2019.

• Veteran midfielder CARL GROTH has departed Fitzroy Stars after one season with the club.

Groth has been approved a move back to Old Ivanhoe, where he played 61 games between 2014 to 2018 and won the VAFA Premier C best and fairest in 2015

A premiership winner with Lalor back in 2007, Groth has also been a standout with Milawa, Wallan and Strathmore.


MARCH 2

• Coburg has lodged permits for two more NFNL players, with West Preston-Lakeside youngster JOSH D’INTINOSANTE ans Macleod tall MARK BAKER both set to play with the VFL club in 2020.

18-year-old D’Intinosante won the Northern Knights best and fairest in 2018, before finishing runner-up for the award last year.

The former South Morang junior booted 50 goals in 32 appearances in the NAB League over the past two years and was a NFNL junior representative player at under-14 and under-15 level.

Baker played nine VFL games for Coburg last year and also featured for Macleod on four occasions.

He joined the Roos from Whitefriars and is a former Northern Knights representative.

• West Preston-Lakeside signing JOSH IACOBACCIO will also team up with Essendon in the VFL.

Iacobaccio played 58 VFL games for Coburg between 2015 and 2018 and is a former Northern Knights representative.

He didn’t feature during the 2019 NFNL season while abroad, but did play in the AFL London competition.

Iacobaccio played 17 senior games for Bundoora, including 13 during the 2018 season.

• Queanbeyan forward MATTHEW GROCOTT has joined Northcote Park.

The 23-year-old booted 34 goals in the AFL Canberra competition in 2019 to finish seventh on the goal kicking table.

Among his season highlights was a six-goal haul for AFL Canberra in its representative game against Riverina FNL.

Grocott booted 157 goals in 95 matches for Queanbeyan, which included five NEAFL appearances in 2014.

• Thomastown has been approved a transfer for Devonport’s BRADLEY CHARD. The 22-year-old played 16 games in the Tasmanian State League in 2016 and 2017, before continuing with the club in its move to the North West Football League of Tasmania. Chard played 16 games in 2019 and was a member of Devonport’s beaten grand final team.


MARCH 1

• Former Heidelberg West playing-coach CAM VAN FLORESTEIN has been approved a move to Leitchville Gunbower.

The 31-year-old ruckman lead the Hawks throughout the 2019 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 campaign, however his on-field impact was limited to just eight games due to injury.

Van Florestein joined Heidelberg West from Kilsyth. He has also played senior football with fellow EFNL clubs Croydon and Warrandyte.


FEBRUARY 29

• Northcote Park’s active off-season transfer period has continued, with the Cougars lodging clearances for five players.

Among those headed for Bill Lawry Oval are WILL MITCHELL, the son of new Cougars’ coach Barry, and OLIVER STAPLETON.

23-year-old Mitchell had a dominant 2019 campaign where he featured in Old Scotch’s best players in 13 of 15 matches during the club’s VAFA Premier B grand final campaign.

He was a member of VAFA’s representative side in its clash against the WAAFL in Perth last year and has also played senior football at Old Carey.

Stapleton has played 20 senior games in the NFNL for Diamond Creek and Heidelberg.

A former Northern Knights representative, he featured in nine games for the Creekers last year while still eligible for the under-19s.

Northcote Park has also signed young duo LACHLAN KING and ARI GERANTIDIS, who have made senior appearances for Kew and Banyule respectively.


FEBRUARY 28

• Fitzroy Stars have landed the signature of former Essendon utility NATHAN LOVETT-MURRAY.

Lovett-Murray played 145 matches for the Bombers between 2004 to 2013, and played a further 45 VFL games for Essendon and Bendigo.

The 37-year-old has played with both Heywood and Rumbalara since retiring from AFL level, however his last game was in 2017.

• Whittlesea has lodged a transfer for Heatherton’s TYSON BUTTIE.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Eagles in November, has also represented Beaconsfield.


FEBRUARY 27

• West Preston-Lakeside premiership utility JAYLON THORPE will again play with VFL club Williamstown in 2020.

Thorpe has played 31 matches for the Roosters and was a member of the club’s 2018 premiership side.

He spent the entire 2019 season with the Seagulls in the VFL, where he booted 21 goals in 17 matches.

• New Hurstbridge signing JACK STEWART will again team up with Box Hill Hawks in the VFL.

Stewart joined the Bridges from Laurimar this off-season but will remain listed by the VFL Hawks for the second year in succession.

The 19-year-old played 19 senior games for Laurimar after making his debut as a 17-year-old.

He endured a late start to the 2019 season due to injury, but went on to play nine games for the Power, including both the second semi and preliminary final.

• Whittlesea’s SCOTT McAULIFFE will cross to AFL Outer East club Kinglake. The 34-year-old played 112 senior games for the Eagles after crossing from Hurstbridge in 2010. McAuliffe was a member of the club’s 2010, 13 and 15 premiership wins.

MATTHEW DEAN will cross from Mernda to Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 rival Old Eltham Collegians. Dean joined Mernda from West Coburg last year and made 11 appearances in the Demons’ senior side.

• Reservoir’s ZACHARIAS COOKSON has made a move to join Dandenong in the Southern Football Netball League. The 20-year-old joined the Mustangs from Tyabb last year and featured among the club’s best players in five of 11 appearances.

• Mill Park young gun NOAH BAZZANO has lodged a transfer to join Hadfield in the Essendon District Football League. Bazzano booted 35 goals in the Division 2 under-19 competition last year to help guide Mill Park to the grand final. He also made two senior appearances for Watsonia, which included a four-goal effort on debut against Thomastown.


FEBRUARY 26

• Montmorency duo SAM BINION and LUKE BUNKER will again link up with Coburg in 2020 after being approved permits to the VFL club.

Binion joined the Lions two years ago after starring for Montmorency during the opening half of the 2018 season. He has played 18 VFL games, including 14 last year.

A former Vic Metro under-18 representative, Bunker has played 38 games for Coburg over the past three years. He played two NFNL games for Montmorency in 2018 but didn’t appear for the Magpies last year.

• West Preston-Lakeside midfielder TERESA CASSAR has lodged a transfer to join Burnside Heights. Cassar was an instrumental member of the Roosters 2018 Division 2 Women’s premiership side, finishing runner-up for the club’s best and fairest. She joined Carlton’s VFLW side last year and played eight games for the Blues.

• Two-time VU Western Spurs premiership player BELINDA HUYNH has been approved a move to West Brunswick. Huynh was a member of the Spurs’ Division 1 Women’s premiership side in 2019. She was also among the best players on the ground in the Spurs’ 2017 Division 2 grand final win over West Preston-Lakeside.

• In more NFNL Women’s transfer news, NFNL representative player BRIDGETTE TAYLOR-GRAY will has made the move from Bundoora to Diamond Creek Women’s. Taylor-Gray featured in the NFNL representative side in both 2019 and 2018 and was a member of the Bulls’ Division 3 Women’s premiership side in the club’s inaugural season.


FEBRUARY 24

• Coburg has been approved permits for two of the competition’s emerging stars, with Bundoora’s BAILEY THOMPSON and Eltham’s NICK REIBELT both signing on with the VFL club.

Thompson made history last year by becoming the youngest player to win Bundoora’s best and fairest – taking out the award while still eligible to play under-19s.

Despite entering the 2019 season with just two senior games to his name, he was a standout in an otherwise difficult campaign for the Bulls – featuring in the club’s best players in 10 of 18 matches.

Reibelt showed great signs for Eltham throughout the 2019 campaign.

He was best on ground on debut in the Round 1 win over Thomastown and went on to kick 10 goals in 11 matches in the senior side, which included two majors in the preliminary final loss to Whittlesea.


FEBRUARY 21

• Fitzroy Stars have signed former Port Adelaide player AIDYN JOHNSON.

The speedy forward had previously submitted a transfer to join Old Scotch after being delisted by the Power, however he has now been approved a move to the Stars.

Johnson played 11 AFL games between 2017 and 2019 after being drafted by Port Adelaide with pick No. 45 in the 2015 National Draft.

The 22-year-old has been added to Richmond’s VFL list for the 2020 season but will be eligible to play for the Stars when made available by the Tigers.

• Coburg has lodged permits for ADAM SWIERZBIOLEK (Macleod), JHYE BADDELEY-KELLY (Epping), HEDLEY SMITH (Fitzroy Stars) and MARCUS LENTINI (Diamond Creek) for the 2020 VFL season. All four were VFL listed throughout the 2019 season, however Baddeley-Kelly will cross to the Lions from Williamstown.


FEBRUARY 20

• Greensborough trio JASON ROGERS, LACHLAN McQUILKEN and JAMIE CRAKER have all joined St Arnaud in the North Central Football League.

McQuilken was one of three co-captains who led the Boro to the 2014 Division 1 premiership. He won the Division 1 Coaches MVP Award in 2015 and claimed the Boro’s best and fairest in 2012. The midfielder played 166 senior games for Greensborough but didn’t feature during the 2019 season.

Rogers played 184 senior games for the Boro and was a key contributor to the 2014 premiership win. He was among the best players in all four finals and claimed Greensborough’s Best in Finals award, before representing the NFNL during the 2015 season. The midfielder-forward made five appearances in the senior side in 2019.

Craker played 84 senior matches with Greensborough after joining from Bundoora in 2011. His last senior appearance was in the 2018 elimination final defeat to the Bulls although he was part of the Boro’s reserves grand final side last September.


FEBRUARY 19

• Lower Plenty premiership midfielder FABIAN DORBOLO will return to the Southern Mallee Giants after three seasons at Montmorency Park. Dorbolo played 56 games for the Bears after joining the club in 2017. He was a member of the club’s 2018 Division 2 premiership triumph and was among the goal kickers in the famous grand final win.

JOEL DALE has lodged a transfer to return to Hurstbridge in 2020 after a season abroad playing in the AFL London league. A member of the Bridges’ Division 2 premiership team in 2016, the defender has previously played 65 senior games for Hurstbridge.

• Fitzroy Stars utility CAMERON HALL will depart Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval after being approved a transfer to Ardmona. Hall featured for the Stars in 33 matches over the past two years and was named in the club’s best players on 14 occasions. He was third in the club’s best and fairest in 2018.


FEBRUARY 18

• Coburg has submitted permits for Hurstbridge signing TYSON OLD and Bundoora recruit PETER McEVOY ahead of the 2020 VFL season.

Old played four games for the Lions last year in his first VFL campaign.

The 23-year-old dashing half back played 51 games for Northcote Park over the past three years and finished fourth in the Cougars’ best and fairest in 2017.

McEvoy was co-captain of Coburg in 2019 and has played 73 VFL games for the Lions and Box Hill Hawks.

The younger brother of two-time Hawthorn premiership ruckman Ben, McEvoy changed his nominated local club to Bundoora this off-season.

He was previously aligned to Montmorency and made one appearance for the Magpies in 2018.

• Collingwood’s VFL side has entered a permit for new Heidelberg signing MATTHEW SMITH.

The 29-year-old was vice-captain of the Magpies last year and has played 62 games for the VFL club over the past four seasons.

He has also previously played in the VFL with Port Melbourne and is a former representative of the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.

The hard-nosed defender and midfielder is a two-time premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Football Netball League, prior to linking up with Collingwood.

He also won two flags with Calivil United in the Loddon Valley Football League.

• Bundoora has lodged a clearance for promising young Eltham forward JESSE KING.

The 19-year-old impressed in 10 senior appearances for the Panthers over the past two seasons, booting 17 goals.

He kicked three goals in a game on three occasions last year and has gone goalless in just one game at senior level.

• Fitzroy Stars goal kicker RYAN LOVEGROVE-HUDSON has submitted a clearance to return to Rumbalara. Lovegrove-Hudson booted 14 majors in 11 appearances for the Stars in 2019. He has previously played 52 games for the Murray Football League club.

• Lalor has been approved a transfer for Roxburgh Park’s RYAN POULTER. The 18-year-old made three senior appearances in the EDFL’s Division 1 competition in 2019.


FEBRUARY 16

Greensborough has landed a major drawcard, announcing the signing of former Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne midfielder NATHAN HROVAT.

Hrovat played 69 AFL games between 2013 to 2019 and will line up for the Boro between North Melbourne VFL commitments.

The 25-year-old was selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick 21 in the 2012 National Draft and played 30 games for the Bulldogs over the next four seasons – including four appearances during the 2016 premiership campaign.

He was traded to North Melbourne following the 2016 season and went on to play 37 games for the Kangaroos, including all 22 matches throughout the 2017 season.


FEBRUARY 14

• West Preston-Lakeside’s bid for a third-consecutive Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 flag has received a welcome boost, with 2018 premiership stars ADAM VALERI and CARL ADAMS both set to return after spending the 2019 season abroad.

23-year-old Valeri has played 77 senior games for the Roosters and was a key contributor to the 2018 flag – finishing inside the top-20 of the Coaches MVP voting that season.

Valeri was third in the Roosters best and fairest in 2015 and has also represented both Coburg and Northern Blues in the former AFL Victoria Development League.

Adams is also a former Northern Blues-listed player who has played 38 senior matches for West Preston-Lakeside between 2014-2018.

Highly regarded for his versatility, Adams played every game during the 2018 premiership campaign and kicked the match-winning goal in the grand final triumph over Macleod.

While two premiership stars return for the 2020 season, West Preston-Lakeside will be without 2019 premiership player MICHAEL MAROTTA, who has been approved a transfer to return to Dalyston in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition.

Marotta played 16 matches during last year’s premiership campaign in his sole season with the club.

He also appeared for Collingwood’s VFL side on three occasions during the 2019 season and will again be listed the Magpies this year.

• Old Eltham Collegians has today lodged transfers for new signings LUKE McKENNA and MICHAEL BATEY.

McKenna played 124 senior games for West Preston-Lakeside between 2009 and 2017 and was a member of the 2010 premiership side.

He spent the past two years with Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League, where he made 37 appearances and was named in the league’s top 50 players list for the 2019 season.

32-year-old Batey last played senior football in 2017 but will link up with several former Rooster teammates at Eltham College.

Batey played 90 senior games for West Preston-Lakeside between 2012 and 2017 after joining from Milawa.

He has been added to Old Eltham Collegians leadership group for the 2020 season.

View this post on Instagram

We would like give a warm welcome to to Michael, Tim and Tom onto the leadership group for season 2020 In his first season at the club Michael Batey has had an instant impact at the club bringing his high standard of training to the track. Michael has been a great influence on the boys offering sound advice from his years as a division 1 footballer Tim Woods has been a Turtles fixture for many years and a great leader down the club. Always friendly and encouraging the boys he has had a well deserved position of our leadership group for many years including our debut season NFNL captain. Tom Joined the club last season and with an almost perfect training record has been an excellent recruit for the club. Tom has especially helped the backline, not just at training but on field organising the boys on a Saturday. 🐢

A post shared by Eltham Turtles (@elthamturtles) on

• Former Fitzroy Stars playing-coach HAYDEN HETA has been approved a transfer to join Rennie in the Picola and District Football Netball League.

Heta joined the Stars in 2018 and took over the coaching reins from Jason Mifsud last year.

He booted 41 goals in 32 appearances for the Stars and last year topped the club’s goal kicking with 25 majors.

• Watsonia has lodged a clearance for Morwell’s REECE LEWIS. The 20-year-old has played five senior games for the Gippsland League club and has been a standout in the reserves over the past two years


FEBRUARY 13

• Northcote Park has continued its active transfer period, lodging clearances for another six players, just one day after entering transfers for David Myers and Ben McNiece.

The Cougars have submitted transfers for TOM BARAVI (West Coburg), JACKSON WILLIAMS (Frankston Bombers), JONAH HORO (Strathmore), REED JEPSON (Epping), KIEREN SCHULZ (Caulfield) and BERNARD RUARO (Myrtleford).

A two-time EDFL representative player, Baravi joins the Cougars from West Coburg. He finished runner-up in the EDFL Division 1 best and fairest last season and was also named in the 2019 EDFL Division 1 Team of the Year. The 25-year-old played 77 games for West Coburg and also played 12 games with Maribyrnong Park in 2017.

Williams is a 19-year-old who remains listed with Collingwood’s VFL team. He was named in the best players in eight of 17 matches for MPNFL club Frankston Bombers in 2019 and featured in the AFL Victoria Young Guns series. A former Bendigo Pioneers representative, he has also played 19 senior games for Cohuna Kangas.

Horo joins the Cougars after an impressive NAB League campaign for the Western Jets, where he was named in the club’s best players in eight of 17 matches. Horo featured for the Calder Cannons in both the 2018 and 2017 seasons and has made senior appearances for EDFL clubs Strathmore and West Coburg over the past two years.

Schulz hasn’t played football for the past three seasons but has previously starred with Whorouly in the Ovens & King Football League. He won the club’s best and fairest as an 18-year-old in 2011 and kicked 53 goals in 60 appearances with the club. His most recent football was played with Caulfield back in 2016.

Jepson is looking to join from Epping, however his initial transfer request has been denied. The 25-year-old had an injury-plagued 2019 season and managed just three games, however he was a standout in his first season with the Blues – where he played every game and finished runner-up for the club best and fairest award. The defender played 69 games for Preston Bullants in the VAFA between 2013 and 2017 and was a premiership winner with the club in 2014.

• Greensborough has added another McCubbin to its list, with JAMES McCUBBIN set to join brother Zak at War Memorial Park in 2020.

The 21-year-old midfielder has played 49 senior games for EFL second division club Mitcham over the past three seasons, booting 41 goals.

A noted goal kicker as a junior, McCubbin booted 49 goals in the EFL Division 1 under-19 competition in 2016, one year after slotting 72 at under-17 level.

• North Heidelberg has secured the services of St Mary’s youngster CURTIS HOWDEN-CRHAK. The 19-year-old impressed in 11 senior games for the Burra in 2019. Among his best performances was a four-goal haul in the Round 15 win over Epping.

• Laurimar’s DYLAN HUMM has been approved a transfer to EDFL Premier Division club Craigieburn. Humm featured in 12 senior games for the Power, including three during the 2019 season.

• VU Western Spurs midfielder SHELLEY LAMPARD has lodged a transfer to join VAFA outfit Brunswick. Lampard played 28 games with the Spurs over the past three years and was the club’s best player in last year’s Division 3 grand final loss to Greensborough.


FEBRUARY 12

• Northcote Park has entered transfers for Essendon duo DAVID MYERS and BEN McNIECE.

A member of Essendon’s leadership group in 2019, Myers retired from the AFL at the conclusion of last season after 123 AFL games with the Bombers.

Despite spending most of 2019 out of the senior side, Myers remained in great form at VFL level, where he featured among Essendon’s best players in 11 of 14 games.

A raking left-foot kick, Myers has played predominantly through the midfield, however Northcote Park coach Barry Mitchell has indicated that he could spend time forward in 2020 to cover the loss of Ash Close and Jackson Starcevich.

McNiece returns to Bill Lawry Oval after 15 AFL games for Essendon over the past three seasons, including five in 2019.

A standout with the Bombers’ VFL side in 2015 and 2016, he was selected as a Category B rookie at the conclusion of the 2016 season and made his debut in Essendon’s Anzac Day win over Collingwood in 2017.

A key part of Northcote Park’s 2012 premiership when just 20 years of age, the rebounding defender represented the NFNL in its representative clash with the VAFA in 2015.

McNiece has played 85 senior games for the Cougars.

• Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside has secured a major coup in its quest for a third-successive premiership, with JOSH IACOBACCIO looking headed for J.E. Moore Park.

Iacobaccio played 58 VFL games for Coburg between 2015 and 2018 and is a former Northern Knights representative.

The dashing defender and midfielder also played 17 senior games for Bundoora, including 13 in 2018 and was part of the Bulls first semi final side that went down to West Preston-Lakeside.

He didn’t feature during the 2019 NFNL season while abroad, but did play in the AFL London competition.

• Lower Plenty has lodged a transfer for emerging Greensborough ruckman NICK BEAMES. The 21-year-old featured for the Boro’s senior side in 16 matches over the past three years, including six times in 2019. He booted 26 goals in the Division 1 reserves competition last year. Beames looms as the Bears’ ruck replacement for former skipper Patty Flynn, who has joined Macleod for the upcoming season.

• Laurimar has been approved a transfer for Kilmore’s LACHLAN GOUGH. The 24-year-old booted 26 goals in 27 matches for the Blues across the past three years. He featured in just six senior matches in 2019, but proved to be a handy goal kicker during his time at J.J. Clancy Reserve.


FEBRUARY 11

• Montmorency has entered a transfer for former Carlton and Collingwood forward ALEX FASOLO.

The Magpies made headlines when they announced the signing of the former AFL goal kicker in December.

The 27-year-old joins Montmorency after kicking 133 goals in 101 games for Collingwood between 2011 and 2018, before adding another three games for Carlton last year.

Fasolo was a member of Collingwood’s 2011 grand final team against Geelong in his debut season and won the club’s best first year player award, the Harry Collier Trophy, in the same season.

He will link up with former Collingwood teammate Ben Kennedy at Montmorency, with Kennedy returning to the Magpies after spending 2019 with Williamstown in the VFL.

He will also be joined by older brother LEWIS FASOLO, who has also submitted a transfer to play at Montmorency.

The 29-year-old played four seasons in the WAFL with East Fremantle between 2009 and 2012, before crossing to play with Sydney University in the NEAFL in 2014.

• Hurstbridge has submitted its transfers for TOM GRIMES and JACK STEWART.

Grimes was among the Bridges best players in their 2016 Division 2 grand final win over North Heidelberg and has been a member of the club’s leadership group.

He returns to Ben Frilay Oval after spending 2019 with Warrandyte, where he booted 26 goals in 17 appearances in the EFNL Division 3 competition.

19-year-old Stewart joins Hurstbridge from Laurimar, where he played 19 senior games after making his debut as a 17-year-old.

Stewart endured a late start to the 2019 season due to injury, but went on to play nine games, including both the second semi and preliminary final.

He has previously been listed by VFL outfit, the Box Hill Hawks.

• West Preston-Lakeside has lodged a clearance for former Vic Country Under-17 and Bendigo Pioneers representative KOBE BROWN.

The 18-year-old represented the Pioneers in the NAB League in each of the past two seasons.

He has formerly been involved in Richmond’s Academy and the Laguntas program – which provides an alternate talent pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers aged between 15 and 18.

Brown played 10 senior games for Kangaroo Flat in the Bendigo Football League in 2019. He was named among the best players on three occasions, including in both of the final two matches of the season.


FEBRUARY 10

• Whittlesea has today lodged its transfer for former St Kilda defender BAILEY RICE.

The Eagles unveiled Rice as a signing in November and he joins as the club prepares to re-establish itself in the top flight after last year winning the A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 premiership.

The son of Carlton premiership player Dean, Rice was drafted by St Kilda as a father-son selection in the 2015 National Draft.

He played 11 AFL games in four seasons with the Saints.

• Eltham has continued an active transfer season by submitting a clearance for talented Sandgate youngster JAMES TAGLIERI.

The 20-year-old Queenslander has impressed at senior level and in Round 13, 2018 earned a Rising Star nomination in the QAFL.


FEBRUARY 7

• Eltham has made a major splash, announcing the signing of Balwyn dual premiership stars JACKSON WEATHERALD and MARC O’REGAN.

Weatherald is a former Panther and booted 131 goals in 83 games for the club between 2008 to 2013.

He joined Balwyn in 2014 and has been a standout with the Eastern league powerhouse, winning two premierships and representing the EFNL on four occasions.

Weatherald also represented Vic Metro in 2016 and was selected in the EFNL Division 1 Team of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.

O’Regan is a four-time premiership EFNL Division 1 player, winning flags with Balwyn in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

The midfielder booted 22 goals in 18 games in 2019, and reached his landmark 150th club game for the Tigers throughout the season.

O’Regan previously played with Subiaco in the WAFL.

• Bundoora utility MOLLY CRONIN has put in a transfer to join Diamond Creek Women’s. Cronin had an outstanding 2019 season, where she was named in the ruck in the 2019 ANZ Division 1 Women’s Team of the Year, finished equal fourth in the competition best and fairest voting and took out Bundoora’s best and fairest award. She previously spent two years with Laurimar in 2017 and 2018.

• Bendigo Women’s has lodged a transfer for Craigieburn’s KARLEIGH WHYTE. The 25-year-old took out the EDFL club’s best and fairest award in 2019, while competing in the league’s Premier Division.

• Diamond Creek will welcome back DYLAN COE after a season with Boolarra in the Mid Gippsland Football Netball League. Coe played junior football with the Creekers and also featured in the club’s under-19 team in 2018. He was named in Boolarra’s best players in six of 16 matches in 2019, in what was his debut season at senior level.


FEBRUARY 6

• North Heidelberg has officially entered transfers for star recruits JACKSON STARCEVICH and CHARLES LE FANU.

The Bulldogs announced the signing of the duo in the December, with both players making the move from Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 rival Northcote Park.

Starcevich has proven himself to be one of the competition’s best forwards over the past three years.

He kicked 69 goals in 26 appearances for Northcote Park and has also played in the VFL, NEAFL and WAFL competitions.

Le Fanu endured an injury-affected season with Northcote Park in 2019, managing just 10 games, although he was named among the Cougars best players in six of those.

The defender is a two-time WAFL premiership winner with Subiaco, featuring in the club’s 2014-15 back-to-back flag wins. In 2015, he finished sixth in the club’s best and fairest award.

• Fitzroy Stars have suffered a blow, with joint best and fairest winner MAX MAYNARD entering a transfer to join Yarraville Seddon in the Western Region Football League.

Maynard played 65 senior games with Stars after making his debut as a 16-year-old in 2014.

He shared the best and fairest with Ethan Penrith, who was approved a move to reigning Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 premier West Preston-Lakeside in November.

Maynard represented the Northern Knights in 2015 and was previously listed by the Northern Blues.

• St Mary’s forward SERENA FRANCKE will return to VU Western Spurs for the 2020 season. A member of the Spurs’ 2017 Division 2 premiership team, Francke joined the Burra in 2015 and played 25 games for the club over the past two seasons. She was named centre half forward in the 2018 Division 3 Women’s Team of the Year.


FEBRUARY 5

KAIN PROCTOR and JAI BURNS will return to Bundoora in 2020, with the Bulls submitting clearances for the duo to return to Yulong Reserve.

Both spent a season with the Bulls in 2018, before returning to the Fitzroy Stars for the 2019 season.

Proctor captained the Stars last year and was runner up for the A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 best and fairest. He was also selected in the Team of the Year.

The 23-year-old midfielder impressed during his previous stint at Bundoora and was named in the Bulls’ best players in six of his 17 games in 2018.

Burns played 11 senior games in 2019 to take his tally with the Fitzroy Stars to 131.

He played three games in Bundoora’s senior side in 2018, but impressed at reserves level and was best afield in the Bulls’ come from behind grand final win against Whittlesea.

Bundoora has also entered a transfer for CAMERON WALLACE, who signed with the club in December.

The goal kicking wingman joins from Old Carey, where he played 52 senior games, although he didn’t play in 2019.


ANTHONY SORIANO has departed Bundoora after just two games with the club over two seasons. Soriano joined the Bulls in 2018 with VFL experience from Sandringham. He booted 68 goals in a 41-game stint at Templestowe, where he played in the club’s 2016 grand final. The 26-year-old is joining Eastern league powerhouse Balwyn.

• VU Western Spurs forward SHANEL CAMILLERI is on the move, after entering a clearance to join Hillside in the Essendon District Football League. Camilleri, who was named in the 2019 MC Security Division 2 Women’s Team of the Year, booted 23 goals last year and was a member of the Spurs’ Division 2 grand final win.

• West Preston-Lakeside goal kicker BELINDA GICEVSKI had submitted a transfer to join RMIT Women’s in the VAFA. Gicevski booted 21 goals in 31 games for the Roosters over the past three years. She was a member of the club’s Division 2 Women’s premiership in 2018.

• Young gun JOSH MAZZARELLA is looking to join Mernda for the 2020 season. The 18-year-old played three matches for Watsonia last year and was among the Saints best players in his debut against Epping in Round 10. Mazzarella also featured for the Northern Knights in the NAB League in 2019 and was Mill Park’s best player in its Division 2 Under-19 grand final defeat.

MICHAEL CLARE will return to Western Australia after one season with the Fitzroy Stars. Clare made four appearances in the Stars’ seniors side in 2019 and was a member of the club’s historic reserves premiership team. He will return to former club Collegians in the Perth Football League.


FEBRUARY 4

• Heidelberg West has bolstered its goal kicking stocks with the addition of ALEX HYWOOD from East Malvern.

The 24-year-old has booted 70 goals over the past two seasons in the Southern Football Netball League Division 1 competition and was a member of East Malvern’s 2018 grand final team.

Hywood represented the SFNL in the AFL Victoria Community Championships in both 2019 and 2018.

He previously played 48 senior games for South Bendigo following two seasons with the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.

• North Heidelberg have lodged a transfer for Geensborough goal kicker CAILLIN KETT. The 23-year-old made featured in the Boro’s senior side three times in 2019, and booted 32 goals in the reserves competition.

• Wallan has filed a clearance for South Morang’s SCOTT DICKSON. Dickson made eight appearances in the Lions’ senior side in 2019, after playing 17 the year prior. He was among the club’s best players in both the 2018 semi and preliminary finals.


FEBRUARY 3

• North Albury has submitted clearances for Hurstbridge midfielder JACK FURLONG and Bundoora defender EAMON GILBERT.

Furlong will link up with former teammate Isaac Muller at the Ovens & Murray Football League club, with Muller the playing-coach of the Hoppers. The duo were part of Bundoora’s premiership team in 2017.

Furlong returned to Hurstbridge this year after three seasons with the Bulls and was a member of the NFNL representative team that defeated the Geelong Football Netball League in May.

The 23-year-old played 14 games in 2019 to take his tally with Hurstbridge to 42 matches. He also played 40 matches for Bundoora.

Gilbert spent the past two years with Bundoora and played 16 games in 2019. Injury limited him to just four senior matches in 2018 – although he did play in the Bulls reserves premiership that season.

The key defender represented the NFNL in its clash with the MPNFL in 2016 during his stint with Eltham.

He has also played senior football with Avondale Heights and spent two seasons with the Northern Blues in the former AFL Victoria Development League.

• Thomastown has officially entered a transfer for North Heidelberg skipper DANIEL BRAMICH. The Bears announced the signing of the two-time premiership player in December. Bramich played 208 matches with the Bulldogs and was captain of the 2017 Division 2 premiership side.

• Promising young midfielder BRODIE FOSTER will return to Queensland after signing with NEAFL club Redland. The 20-year-old arrived in Victoria last year and made three appearances for Macleod, in between commitments with Coburg, where he impressed in 14 VFL matches. Foster is a former Gold Coast Suns Academy member and will be joined at the NEAFL club by former Collingwood defender Adam Oxley, who played five games for Eltham during the 2019 season.

• North Heidelberg utitlity NICHOLAS SHELLEY is looking to move to Rand-Walbundrie-Walla in the Hume Football Netball League. Shelley featured for the Bulldogs 26 times over the past two years, including in 17 matches last year. He joined North Heidelberg from Wodonga Raiders and has also played senior football at Corowa-Rutherglen and Howlong.

ROBERT TODD is looking to return to St Mary’s after two seasons at Lalor. Todd featured in 21 matches for the Bloods over the past two years and was named among the best players nine times. He played four senior matches for the Burra in 2016 while still eligible to play under-19s.

• Reservoir’s DYLAN POTTER will switch to Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 rival Lalor. The 21-year-old has played senior football for the Mustangs, Fitzroy Stars and Parkside. He also represented the Northern Knights during the 2016 TAC Cup season.


FEBRUARY 2

• Heidelberg has lodged transfers for seven players, including North Heidelberg premiership midfielder BRODY TARDIO, Wangaratta wingman NICK RICHARDS, Apollo Bay defender JOSH ONDERWATER.

The Tigers have also formally submitted clearances for trio JOSH SMITH, MATTHEW SMITH and KIEREN PARNELL – all of whom the club announced as signings over the past month.

Tardio is a former Northern Knights representative who played 51 senior games for North Heidelberg between 2016 and 2018.

He was named in the A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 Team of the Year in 2017 and was a standout in the Bulldogs’ grand final win over Diamond Creek.

The 22-year-old moved to Old Ivanhoe Grammarians in 2019 and featured in 12 games in the VAFA Premier C competition.

Richards continues Heidelberg’s connection with Wangaratta and heads to Warringal Park after 53 senior games with the Ovens & Murray Football League club.

He was listed among Wangaratta’s best players seven times during the 2019 season and was a member of the grand final team that went down to Lavington. He also featured in the 2018 grand final, which Wangaratta lost to Albury.

A former Murray Bushrangers representative, the 21-year-old midfielder has also previously been listed by VFL clubs Williamstown and Werribee.

Onderwater joins Heidelberg from Apollo Bay in the Colac & District Football and Netball League, where he has played 70 games over the past five seasons.

The 25-year-old has also played senior football with Alvie.

Onderwater has played primarily in defence in recent seasons but has also been used forward.

• Montmorency forward DANKO BZENIC will head back to the Essendon District Football League after entering a clearance to return to Avondale Heights. The former Richmond VFL-listed forward played six games for the Magpies in 2018 and was a member of the NFNL representative team that defeated the MPNFL. Unfortunately he suffered a severe knee injury in Round 6 of that season and has not played a match since.

• Reservoir duo LACHLAN WALMSLEY and HARRISON EVANS have both applied to join Watsonia. Both joined the Mustangs last year and featured in the senior team throughout the 2019 season.


FEBRUARY 1

The transfer period has re-opened ahead of the 2020 NFNL football season. The transfer window originally opened on November 1 before being temporarily closed on November 30 ahead of the Christmas holidays. The transfer window is again open and will close on June 30.

• VFL outfit Williamstown has lodged permits for five NFNL players, including West Preston-Lakeside pair JAYLON THORPE and ADAM MARCON, North Heidelberg duo LIAM HUNT and JESSE TARDIO and Heidelberg defender DANIEL O’DWYER.

Of the quintet, only O’Dwyer is a new addition to the Seagulls this year. The 20-year-old was rewarded for a fantastic 2019 season with Heidelberg, where he played all 20 matches and was named in the Tigers’ best players on nine occasions after being given the lockdown role on many of the league’s best small forwards.

• The first transfer lodged since the window re-opened comes from EDFL Premier Division club Glenroy, who have submitted a clearance for Heidelberg’s EAMONN McCUSKEY. McCuskey joined the Tigers in 2018 and played 15 senior games, including 11 in 2019. He was runner-up for the club’s reserves best and fairest last year, despite playing on six reserves games.

• Lalor has entered transfer applications for five players, including dual North Heidelberg premiership midfielder PASQUALE SACCUZZO. Saccuzzo featured in the Bulldogs’ 2014 and 2017 Division 2 grand final wins and played 104 senior games for the club. He has spent the past two seasons at Portarlington. He will be joined at Lalor Reserve by younger brother DOMINIC SACCUZZO, who also played with the AFL Barwon club in 2019. The Bloods have also recruited Fitzroy Stars utility DYLAN HARVEY.

• 2017 Division 3 Team of the Year representative JAMES BOAROTTO has been approved a transfer to join Templestowe from St Mary’s. Boarotto was third in the Burra’s best and fairest in 2017. He played 15 senior games in 2018, but missed selection in the senior grand final team – instead playing in the reserves grand final where he won the best on grand medallion as St Mary’s secured its third-consecutive reserves flag.


JANUARY 29

• Old Eltham Collegians have welcomed former West Preston-Lakeside premiership player LUKE McKENNA for their second season in the NFNL.

McKenna played 124 senior games for the Roosters between 2009 and 2017 and was a member of the 2010 premiership side.

He spent the past two years with Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League, where he made 37 appearances and was named in the league’s top 50 players list for the 2019 season.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

We would like to welcome Luke Mckenna to the Turtle Dome. Luke brings a wealth of experience with him playing over 200 senior games for West Preston lakeside and most recently Echuca. He’s a silky defender with evasive skills and great ability to swing forward and snag a goal when required. Luke has played in over 15 finals in his in his senior playing career which includes Echuca’s 2019 Grand final team in the GVFL and the highlight of his career playing in West Preston’s 2010 premiership side. He started playing senior footy at West Preston when he was 17yo where he was rightly nicknamed “pup”. Pup was also named in the GVFL’s top 50 players in 2019. We look forward to seeing how he improves our list and improves others around him in 2020 and beyond.

A post shared by Eltham Turtles (@elthamturtles) on

• Fitzroy Stars have announced the addition of JAMARRAH FIREBRACE for the 2020 season.

Firebrace was a member of Flying Boomerangs squad that travelled to South Africa in 2013, along with new Stars teammate Jayden Gerrand.

He has played senior football with both Echuca and Moama.


JANUARY 28

• Eltham young gun NICK REIBELT has signed on with Coburg for the 2020 VFL season.

The 19-year-old impressed in 11 senior appearances for the Panthers throughout the 2019 season, kicking 10 goals and named in the best on four occasions.

He was best afield in his senior debut against Thomastown in Round 1 and kicked two goals in his side’s preliminary final defeat to eventual second division premier Whittlesea.


JANUARY 21

• Heidelberg has announced the addition of another star recruit, with Greenvale midfielder JOSH SMITH set to call Warringal Park home in 2020.

Smith’s father, Mark, is a premiership player at Heidelberg and his signing continues a busy month for the Tigers – who have added several key players in recent weeks to replace the departured trio Ryan Stone, Tom Sullivan and Sam Grimley.

Smith has been one of Greenvale’s most consistent players over the past four years and has been named in the Jets’ best players in 34 of 71 matches in the EDFL’s Premier Division since 2016.

He was the club’s best player in its 2017 grand final defeat to Aberfeldie.


JANUARY 20

Greensborough has confirmed the departure of 2019 best and fairest winner CHARLIE MOLYNEUX.

The star midfielder will return home to South Australia, and will re-join Gawler Central – where spent four years prior to joining the Boro in 2018.

Molyneux had an injury-interrupted first season with Greensborough but was one of the competition’s standout players in 2019.

He claimed the Boro club champion award ahead of league best and fairest Tom Bell and was runner-up to Heidelberg ruckman Sam Gilmore for the Division 1 Coaches MVP award.

Molyneux was Greensborough’s best player in the grand final defeat to West Preston-Lakeside and featured in the club’s best in 16 of 19 matches throughout the grand final campaign.

A clearance king, Molyneux also proved to be a handy goal kicker and booted 22 goals from the midfield throughout the year.


JANUARY 16

• Northcote Park premiership defender BEN McNIECE will return to the club in 2020.

McNiece returns to the Cougars after playing 15 AFL games for Essendon over the past three seasons. He will be joined at Bill Lawry Oval by Bomber teammate David Myers.

The rebounding defender was a member of Northcote Park’s 2012 premiership and represented the NFNL in its representative clash with the VAFA in 2015.

After two impressive seasons with Essendon’s VFL side, he was selected as a Category B rookie at the conclusion of the 2016 season and made his debut in the Bombers’ 2017 Anzac Day win over Collingwood.

McNiece will have a delayed start to the 2020 season as he completes training with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.


DECEMBER 21

• VFL outfit Coburg has announced the signing of Northcote Park ruckman KYLE GALLOWAY.

The 23-year-old impressed in his first season at Bill Lawry Oval and finished third in the Cougars’ best and fairest voting.

He will still be available to play for Northcote Park when VFL commitments permit.

Standing 208cm, Galloway was drafted by Sydney as a category B rookie in 2015 and spent one season with the Swans.

A former Vic Metro representative, Galloway has also spent time with VFL club Werribee and TAC Cup side Murray Bushrangers.


DECEMBER 19

• North Heidelberg have continued to add to their playing list for the 2020 season, announcing the signing Greensborough tall CAILLIN KETT.

The 23-year-old made three appearances for the Boro’s senior side in 2019, and was a noted goal kicker in the reserves – finishing the season with 32 majors.


DECEMBER 18

• North Heidelberg has made big waves by announcing the signing of Northcote Park duo JACKSON STARCEVICH and CHARLES LE FANU.

Starcevich has proven himself to be one of the competition’s most damaging players when fit and firing.

He kicked 69 goals in 26 appearances for Northcote Park over the past three years and led the competition best and fairest voting in 2017 until suffering an injury in a Round 14 win over Heidelberg.

The 26-year-old has also played in the VFL, NEAFL and WAFL and looks set to be a big addition to the Bulldogs’ forward line.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Introducing Jackson Starcevich previously from Northcote Park after spending three seasons at the Cougars, Jackson is sure to add plenty to our forward line where he is known as a proven goal kicker at this level & before-hand at Shepparton United in the strong Goulburn Valley competition.⠀ ⠀ After a stint at Collingwood VFL he is looking to enjoy his footy at local level again & get a consistent run at it injury free where he finished top 3 in the Rosbrook Medal for season 2017. ⠀ ⠀ We welcome Jackson to the club & look forward to seeing him creating some headaches for the opposition defence in season 2020.⠀ ⠀ @northernfootballnetballleague⠀ @west_ivanhoe_roosters⠀ @bundooraparkthunderboltsjfc

A post shared by North Heidelberg Sporting Club (@northheidelbergsc) on

Le Fanu endured an injury-affected season with Northcote Park in 2019, managing just 10 games, although he was named among the Cougars best in six of those.

The defender is a two-time WAFL premiership winner with Subiaco, featuring in the club’s 2014-15 back-to-back flag wins. In 2015, he finished sixth in the club’s best and fairest award.

Le Fanu also spent a season with WAFL club Claremont prior to moving to Melbourne.


DECEMBER 15

• Promising young defender KIEREN PARNELL has signed on with Heidelberg.

The talented 20-year-old joins the Tigers after a fantastic campaign for NT Thunder in the NEAFL, where he finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest and claimed the Rookie of the Year award.

He was also nominated for NEAFL Rising Star award, a major achievement after  recovering from consecutive knee reconstructions over the past two years.

Parnell’s strong form in 2019 saw him earn an invite to the State Draft Combine in Melbourne in October.

A senior premiership player with St Mary’s in the NTFL prior to turning 18, Parnell has previously been coached by Ricky Nolan, the brother of new Tigers’ coach Danny.


DECEMBER 13

• North Heidelberg captain DANIEL BRAMICH will join Thomastown in 2020.

A two-time premiership player, Bramich joins the Bears after 208 matches with the Bulldogs.

He was captain of the 2017 Division 2 premiership team and also featured in the 2014 premiership side.

Bramich didn’t miss a game over the past two years as North Heidelberg made the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 preliminary final in consecutive seasons.


DECEMBER 12

• Bundoora has landed a a major off-field signing, with former Collingwood and Carlton high performance boss DAVID BUTTIFANT signing on to assist the Bulls fitness and condition program for the 2020 season.

Buttifant spent more than a decade with the Magpies and played a major role during the 2010 premiership campaign.

He has also previously worked with the Australian Olympic team.


DECEMBER 11

• Bendigo has welcomed back 2017 Division 1 Women’s premiership player JACQUELINE RADNELL. Radnell played four VFLW games for Richmond in 2018, before spending the 2019 season with Westmeadows in the Essendon District Football League.


DECEMBER 7

• Heidelberg has acquired the full-time services of another VFL player, with tall utility CHRISTIAN BUYKX-SMITH committing for the 2020 season.

The 23-year-old made 15 appearances for the Tigers this year after starting the season with Williamstown.

Buykx-Smith has played 16 VFL games for the Seagulls and previously represented the Gippsland Power in the NAB League for three seasons between 2013 and 2015.

He joins Tom and Matt Schnerring, Fletcher Carroll and Josh Minogue in committing to Heidelberg full time from the VFL.


DECEMBER 5

Thomastown has signed Bundoora defender TYLA BARROW for the 2020 season.

The 22-year-old made five appearances in the Bulls’ senior side in 2019.

He was also a member of Bundoora’ back-to-back reserves premierships wins over the past two seasons.


DECEMBER 4

• Former North Melbourne rookie-listed defender/midfielder TOM McKENZIE has nominated North Heidelberg as his local club for the 2020 season.

McKenzie was sidelined by injury throughout 2019 and wasn’t retained on the Kangaroos’ list at the conclusion of the AFL season, however, the 19-year-old will continue with the club’s VFL team next year.

McKenzie was selected by North Melbourne with pick 10 in the 2018 Rookie Draft after averaging 23 disposals for the Northern Knights during the 2018 TAC Cup season.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Introducing Tom McKenzie from North Melbourne who we hope to see in a North Heidelberg jumper for a few games when his commitments at VFL level permits. A former Northern Knight, Tom was the first pick by the Kangas in the 2018 rookie draft however a stress fracture injury limited the chances of a debut at senior level however he will remain with the North Melbourne VFL program hoping for an injury season & at only 19 his aspirations of one day playing at AFL level are still alive. Tom is blessed with elite pace & has the ability to play multi positions either off half-back or through midfield. We welcome Tom & his family to the Bulldogs and we can’t wait to see him line up at various times for the Bulldogs during the 2020 season.

A post shared by North Heidelberg Sporting Club (@northheidelbergsc) on


DECEMBER 3

TOM SCHNERRING will play with Heidelberg full-time in 2020.

The Williamstown-listed utility joined the Tigers this year, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in his first game for the club in a massive Round 5 win over Montmorency.

The 23-year-old has played 31 VFL games for Williamstown and North Ballarat and represented the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup.

Schnerring has also played senior football for Warrnambool, Redan and Ballarat.

His younger brother Matt played 13 senior games for Heidelberg in 2019.

ANTHONY DAW has joined North Heidelberg.

The younger brother of North Melbourne utility Majak, Daw has spent the past two seasons with Airport West in the EDFL’s Premier Division.

Daw also spent two seasons with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup and has previously been a member of Williamstown’s VFL list.


DECEMBER 2

• Essendon VFL livewire DANNY YOUNAN has again nominated Bundoora as his local club for the 2020 season, and has also taken on a coaching role at Yulong Reserve. The sharpshooter played a pivotal role in the Bulls’ 2017 Division 1 premiership triumph, but hasn’t appeared for the club since the grand final. He has since played 39 VFL games for Essendon over the past two years, where he has kicked 54 goals.


DECEMBER 1

• Montmorency has secured one of the biggest signings of the off-season, with the Magpies landing the signature of former Collingwood and Carlton forward ALEX FASOLO.

The livewire forward booted 133 goals in 101 games for Collingwood between 2011 and 2018, before adding another three games for Carlton this year.

He was a member of the Magpies’ 2011 grand final team against Geelong in his debut season and won the club’s best first year player award, the Harry Collier Trophy, in the same year.

Fasolo announced his retirement from AFL football in August.

He will join former Collingwood teammate Ben Kennedy at Montmorency.


NOVEMBER 30

• Bundoora has announced the signing of Old Carey’s CAMERON WALLACE.

Wallace didn’t play senior football in 2019, but has played 52 senior games for the VAFA club. The goal kicking wingman has booted 31 goals.

He was a member of Old Carey’s VAFA Premier B grand final team in 2018.

• Hurstbridge midfielder RYAN JACKSON has entered a clearance to join WRFL outfit Sunshine.

Jackson joined the Bridges in 2018 and played 35 of a possible 36 games in his two seasons with the club.

The former Carlton midfielder was captain of the NFNL representative side in 2014 and was best afield in the win over the Essendon District Football League.

He was also captain of Montmorency and led the Magpies to the Division 1 grand final in 2013, before winning the best and fairest in 2014.

JARROD FITZPATRICK has lodged a transfer to depart North Heidelberg after one season at Shelley Reserve. Fitzpatrick played 19 games for the Bulldogs in 2019 and kicked 10 goals. He is now looking to link up with Bridgewater in the Loddon Valley Football League. The 26-year-old has previously played for Boort, Marong and Strathfieldsaye.

• Watsonia’s LEWIS FRANZ has been approved a transfer to join Doncaster in the Eastern Football Netball League. Franz joined the Saints from Montmorency in 2017 and went on to play 45 senior matches in his three seasons at A.K. Lines Reserve.


NOVEMBER 29

• Whittlesea has signed former St Kilda defender BAILEY RICE for the 2020 season.

The son of Carlton premiership player Dean, Rice was drafted by St Kilda as a father-son selection in the 2015 National Draft.

He played 11 AFL games in four seasons with the Saints and now joins the Eagles for their return to the NFNL top-flight.

Rice will be joined at Whittlesea Showgrounds by Beaconsfield duo TYSON BUTTIE and NICK STEVANEVIC.

Heidelberg has landed its first recruit of the off-season, announcing the signing of Collingwood VFL vice-captain MATT SMITH.

The hard-nosed defender and midfielder played 60 VFL games for the Magpies over the past four years. He has also played 12 games with VFL outfit Port Melbourne.

Smith was a premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Football Netball League in both 2014 and 2015, prior to joining Collingwood. He also won two flags with Calivil United in the Loddon Valley Football League.

• Eltham defender MATTHEW KEYS will return to Shepparton Swans next season.

The 29-year-old was named at full back in the 2019 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 Team of the Year and was fourth in the Panthers’ best and fairest in 2017.

Keys has played 116 games for Eltham in two stints with the club, either side of a 34-game spell with Shepparton Swans in 2015 and 2016.

Talented youngster JASPA WATSON will return to Diamond Creek after a season with Boolarra. The 18-year-old played junior football with the Creekers, before joining the Mid Gippsland Football League club this year – where he impressed in his debut season and was named in the best players in six of his 16 matches. Fellow youngster BRYCE BASCHERA will also return to Coventry Oval after spending 2019 with Boolarra.

• Thomastown’s MICHAEL GRAVINA is looking to cross to A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 rival Banyule. Gravina played 11 senior games in 2019, including the first semi final loss to Eltham. He previously played five senior games at Bundoora, before joining Thomastown this year.

• NFNL representative SHAE-LEE MURPHY-BURKE has lodged a transfer to join Bendigo from Diamond Creek Women’s. Murphy-Burke finished fifth in the Creekers’ best and fairest this year and was among the side’s best players in the ANZ Division 1 Women’s grand final. She played seven VFLW games for Williamstown in 2018.


NOVEMBER 27

• GARY MOORCROFT will play on in 2020 after signing with Bright in the Ovens & King Football League.

Moorcroft had called time on his playing career at the end of the 2019 season, following Bundoora’s final round defeat against North Heidelberg.

A premiership player with Essendon in 2000, Moorcroft joined the Bulls in 2011 and went on to become one of the club’s most decorated players.

He kicked 578 goals in 172 appearances for Bundoora and spearheaded the club to premierships in 2011, 2013 and 2017.

Moorcroft topped the Division 1 goal kicking table in 2016 and 2012 and was named in the Division 1 Team of the Year on five occasions.

Moorcroft will link up with Bundoora teammate Paul Harrison at Bright.

Bundoora has announced the return of PETER HOOD to Yulong Reserve.

Hood enjoyed a terrific 2018 season with the Bulls, finishing third in the Division 1 competition best and fairest voting and named in the Division 1 Team of the Year.

He returned to the Fitzroy Stars in 2019 and was a member of the club’s historic reserves premiership team – with the grand final win handing the Stars their first football flag in the NFNL.

Hood was named in Division 2 Team of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017 while playing with the Stars and represented the NFNL at the 2016 AFL Victoria Community Championships.

Uni Blues have entered a transfer for Heidelberg key forward SAM GRIMLEY.

The former Essendon and Hawthorn forward booted 121 goals in 51 matches in three seasons with the Tigers – twice topping the club’s goal kicking table.

Grinley played seven AFL games for the Bombers and Hawks after being selected with pick No. 39 in the 2009 AFL National Draft.

He won the Frosty Miller Medal as the VFL’s leading goal kicker in 2014 and 2015, booting 91 goals in 39 games across the two seasons.


NOVEMBER 26

Former Heidelberg midfielder JACK RYAN will return to football with Panton Hill in 2020.

The 26-year-old played 26 senior games for Heidelberg between 2015 and 2018, before sitting out the 2019 season. He won a reserves flag with the Tigers in 2016.

Ryan previously spent a season with Coburg in the former AFL Victoria Development League and has represented both Morningside and Gold Coast in the NEAFL.

Mernda has announced the signing of JARROD KING for the 2020 season.

King was a member of Bundoora’s coaching panel in 2019, but has a long and distinguished playing history across stints with the Bulls, Lalor, North Heidelberg and Epping.

His last game was the 2018 Division 1 reserves grand final, when he helped steer Bundoora to a come-from-behind premiership win. He also played five games for the Bulls’ senior side that season.

• Thomastown utility NICK HORMAN will link up with Kinglake in 2020. Horman played only three senior games in 2019, but has made 77 appearances for the Bears across two stints. He was a member of Whittlesea’s Division 2 premiership team in 2015 and will link up with former Eagles teammate Andrew Fairchild at the AFL Outer East club.

Macleod has been approved clearances for Lower Plenty’s BAILEY RODDA and Banyule’s SEAN TANUDTANUD. Rodda has played 18 senior games for Lower Plenty and was a member of the 2018 Division 2 premiership team. Tanudtanud didn’t play in 2019, but has played 32 senior games for Banyule, including 14 in the 2017 Division 3 premiership campaign. He finished third in the Division 2 under-19 best and fairest voting in 2015.

Division 1 Women’s leading goal kicker KERRIE CLARKE has lodged a transfer to join Altona. Despite topping the goal kicking, Clarke didn’t feature in the VU Western Spurs’ Division 1 grand final team. She did however play in the club’s Division 2 grand final win over Heidelberg. Clarke played two VFLW games for the Western Bulldogs in 2018.


NOVEMBER 25

• Hurstbridge has officially lodged transfers for TYSON OLD and ROHAN DAVIES.

Old has played 51 senior games for Northcote Park over the past four seasons and finished equal-fourth in the 2017 best and fairest to help steer the Cougars to the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 preliminary final.

The 23-year-old made four VFL appearances for Coburg this year and has again signed on with the VFL Lions for the 2020 season.

Davies captained Mernda to the 2012 Division 3 premiership and is a two-time league best and fairest (Division 2 in 2013 and Division 3 in 2012).

He spent the 2019 season with Corowa Ruthergen and was named among the best players in seven of his 13 matches.

• North Heidelberg has lodged a transfer for former Northcote Park premiership star DOUG MORRIS.

Morris was among the best players on the ground in the Cougars’ 2012 grand final win over Heidelberg.

The 26-year-old hasn’t played since 2016, having spent a season at both Old Trinity Grammarians and Lower Plenty after winning Northcote Park’s best and fairest in 2014.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Introducing Doug Morris a former Northcote Park best & fairest winner who also had a stint at Old Trinity at A Grade amateur level. Doug was keen to play under former coach Jason Heatley who has returned to the Bulldogs this season after the pair played a big part in Northcote Park’s last senior premiership in season 2012. A proven midfielder rated very highly within NFNL ranks with the added ability to kick goals we believe Doug will be a terrific asset & at a prime age will bring plenty to the list as we look forward to the challenge of Div 1 footy. We welcome Doug & his family to the Bulldogs and we can’t wait to see him line up in the red, white & blue in season 2020.

A post shared by North Heidelberg Sporting Club (@northheidelbergsc) on

MATTHEW YARWOOD will return to Macleod in 2020. The midfielder was a member of the Roos’ 2015 Division 1 premiership team. He played 76 games for Macleod, before crossing to Banyule in 2017. He played in the Bears’ Division 3 grand final win in his first season with the club. Yarwood didn’t play in 2019, but played 15 games in 2018 – including Banyule’s preliminary final loss to Lower Plenty.

• Eltham has approved a transfer for SEAN CURRIE to return to Whitefriars. Currie played 46 senior games for the Panthers over the past three seasons, including the 2018 Division 2 grand final. He previously played 44 games for Whitefriars, winning the best and fairest in 2016 when he was also named in the VAFA Division 1 Team of the Year.

• Laurimar has been approved a transfer for Whittlesea’s ETHAN GORSKI. The 23-year-old made three appearances for the Eagles throughout their 2019 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 premiership campaign.

• Reservoir has lodged a clearance for Braybrook’s PETAR PAVLOVIC. The defender has previously played under new Mustangs coach Jason Hamilton and featured in 17 senior matches for the WRFL club over the past two seasons. He has also played senior football for EDFL outfit Northern Saints.


NOVEMBER 24

• Fitzroy Stars have been approved a transfer for West Australian forward and midfielder JAYDEN GERRAND.

The 22-year-old is a nephew of Brisbane Lions 2002 premiership player Des Headland.

Gerrand joins from North Beach Tigers and has previously represented Subiaco in the WAFL Colts competition.

He was a member of the Flying Boomerangs squad that travelled to South Africa in 2013. The Flying Boomerangs is a football development and leadership program, comprising the best rising Indigenous talent in the nation.

• Northcote Park utility THOMAS JACKSON looks set to depart the club after lodging a transfer to join Irrewarra-Beeac. Jackson joined the Cougars from Marong in 2016 and went on to play 30 senior games across four seasons, including seven this year. He was a member of Northcote Park’s reserves grand final team in 2017.

LUKE NICOL is looking to return to junior club Epping for the 2020 season. The 22-year-old played 32 senior games for South Morang over the past two years, booting 16 goals. He featured 14 times in 2019.


NOVEMBER 22

Thomastown has secured a major recruiting coup, signing former Northern Blues speedster TIM TOTEVSKI.

The 26-year-old hasn’t played for the past three seasons after suffering serious knee injuries and focusing on work commitments, but could be a major drawcard for the Bears as they shoot for a third-successive finals appearance.

Totevski spent five years on the Northern Blues’ list and kicked 28 goals in 38 VFL games.

He was also a member of the Blues’ leadership group, before being cruelled by injury.

Totevski’s signing was unveiled by the Bears on Tuesday, with the club today officially putting through his transfer application.

Click here to read more about Totevski’s signing with Thomastown.

Heidelberg star TOM SULLIVAN has today lodged his transfer to return to Tatura.

The announced on their Facebook page last month that the star defender would head back to his former club in 2020.

Sullivan has been one of the NFNL’s most consistent performers since joining Heidelberg in 2016.

He was an integral part of the Tigers’ premiership success in his first season with the club – finishing equal-second in the best and fairest and starring in the 2016 grand final win over Macleod.

Sullivan was named in the Division 1 Team of the Year in 2017 and won the club’s best and fairest, the Blair Harvey Medal, in the same season.

He made 71 appearances for the Tigers and finished in the top-five of the club’s best and fairest count in all four seasons at Warringal Park – which included a fourth-place finish in 2019.


NOVEMBER 21

Hurstbridge has announced the signing of two-time NFNL best and fairest ROHAN DAVIES.

The star midfielder led Mernda to the Division 3 premiership in 2012 and won the competition best and fairest in the same year.

He backed up the effort by winning the Division 2 best and fairest the following season, despite his side winning just seven games.

Davies moved to Howlong in 2014, where he booted 62 goals in 43 games, before returning to Mernda in 2018.

He spent the 2019 season with Corowa Ruthergen, where he featured among the best players in seven of his 13 appearances.

Another NFNL best and fairest will return to the league in 2020, with Panton Hill announcing the signing of TYLER SCARCE.

The former Redbacks skipper returns to football after sitting out the past two seasons and is a welcome addition as the club makes a return to second division.

Scarce won the Division 2 best and fairest in 2014 and finished third for the award in 2015.

He captained Panton Hill between 2014 and 2016, winning the club best and fairest in each of his first two seasons as skipper, before a third-place finish in 2016.

Scarce was a member of the Redbacks’ drought-breaking premiership in 2013 after joining the club from Greensborough, where he made 16 senior appearances.


NOVEMBER 20

Former West Preston-Lakeside defender MICHAEL BATEY will play with Old Eltham Collegians in 2020.

The 32-year-old last played senior football in 2017 but will link up with several former Rooster teammates at Eltham College.

The Turtles will next season be coached by Matthew Sleeman, who has previously led the Roosters’ reserves to premiership success.

Batey played 90 senior games for West Preston-Lakeside between 2012 and 2017 after joining from Milawa.


NOVEMBER 19

Heidelberg has announced the shock resignation of senior coach FRANK RASO.

Raso coached the Tigers for the past two seasons, which included a second-place finish on the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 ladder in 2019.

After finishing sixth in both 2017 and 2018, the Tigers were one of the competition’s most improved sides this year.

They finished the regular season with an impressive 14-4 record, but were knocked out of the finals race in straight sets after suffering losses to North Heidelberg and West Preston-Lakeside in the opening two weeks of the finals.

A statement released by Heidelberg confirmed that club legend and senior assistant Danny Nolan will act as interim coach while the search for Raso’s replacement takes place.

• SAM PEET will return to Whittlesea in 2020.

The 22-year-old key position player has previously played four senior games for the Eagles – the last of which was in 2017.

Peet finished fourth in Watsonia’s best and fairest in 2018, before moving to WRFL side St Albans this year – where he played 14 games, while also making one VFL appearance for Port Melbourne.

Macleod has entered transfer applications for three players, including promising Thomastown key defender NICHOLAS KLOOSTER, ruckman RHYS GLEISNER and Calder Cannons-listed youngster MASON BOWDEN.

19-year-old Klooster has been a regular in Thomastown’s senior line-up over the past two season.

The NFNL under-19 representative played 14 games in his debut season with the Bears in 2018, before playing every game this year.

Gleisner is a former best and fairest winner with EDFL club Moonee Valley and has also played senior football with Westmeadows and, more recently, Yarragon.

Bowden was a member of the Calder Cannons’ NAB League squad this year, although his clearance to Macleod has been denied by Craigieburn.

Former has lodged a transfer for former Panton Hill and Montmorency player MICHAEL HIGGINS. Higgins didn’t play in 2019, but last year made 12 appearances for Panton Hill during its grand final season. He previously played 22 games in Division 1 for Montmorency.


NOVEMBER 18

Bundoora has entered transfers for HAMISH SHEPHEARD and KYLE GREEN after announcing the duo’s signing last month.

Shepheard is a former AFL-listed forward, who was selected by Fremantle with pick No.34 in the 2009 rookie draft.

He also has experience at VFL, WAFL and NEAFL level and looms as an ideal replacement for Gary Moorcroft, who called time on his decorated career at the conclusion of the 2019 season.

Shepheard played seven games for VAFA club Old Ivanhoe in 2019, which included a nine-goal haul in Round 3.

Green will also help the Bulls’ forward line after a season in which they averaged just 71 points a game.

The 21-year-old was a member of North Heidelberg’s Division 2 premiership team in 2017.

He booted 60 goals in 75 appearances for the Bulldogs, which included 15 majors in 12 games this year.

Banyule has made a splash as it looks to atone for its A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 grand final defeat.

The Bears have today made transfer appplications for six players, including JACK ROWSTON, JAMES HODDER, PATRIK DELLA ROCCA, REECE COTTER, LINCOLN SIEBEN, and LIAM JACOB.

Rowston (pictured below) is a young gun who joins from Griffiths Swans in the Riverina Football Netball League.

The 19-year-old played in club’s grand final this year and has been a member of the the GWS Giants NEAFL squad in each of the past three years. He also represented the NSW/ACT Rams at under-16 level.

Hodder hasn’t played since 2015 but is a former Northern Knights representative who also played a VFL game for the Northern Blues. He has played senior football for both Northcote Park and Diamond Creek.

Della Rocca played 13 senior games for Heidelberg this year after making 21 TAC Cup appearances for the Northern Knights in 2018 and 2017. He played junior football with Banyule and made two senior appearances for the Bears in 2016.

Cotter is a defender who was runner-up in Ivanhoe’s best and fairest in 2017. He played over 100 senior games for the VAFA club and has spent the past two seasons with Lake Boga and St Albans (AFL Barwon).

Jacob has played 30 games for Lake Boga over the past two seasons and was named in the club’s best players in nine of 16 matches this year, while Sieben is a 19-year-old who has spent the past two years playing senior football with Balranald and Leitchville Gunbower.

Fitzroy Stars have lodged a transfer for former Rokewood Corindhap and Moonta big man FALLON WANGANEEN.

The 27-year-old was previously a member of Norwood’s SANFL squad and will bring welcome height to the Stars line-up for the 2020 season.

Wanganeen has played 63 senior games across his career and can fill key position posts at both ends of the ground, as well as play in the ruck.


NOVEMBER 16

• JACKSON JONES adds to the list of players seeking a trade from North Heidelberg, with the 22-year-old forward applying for a clearance to Heathcote.

Jones was a member of the Bulldogs’ Division 2 premiership side in 2017 and has booted 54 goals in 58 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2015.

He featured among his side’s best players in five of his opening 12 games this year, but his season was cut short following the club’s close loss at Greensborough in Round 13.

• MICHAEL MARRETT will return to Kilmore after spending the past two seasons at Girgarre. The 25-year-old has previously played 71 games for the Blues and finished among the top-five in the club’s best and fairest in both 2017 and 2016.

Marrett will be joined at J.J Clancy Reserve by Seymour’s CHRISTOPHER JACKSON. The 23-year-old midfielder played his junior football with Kilmore, but has since played 48 games at Seymour. He has also played senior football at Lancefield.


NOVEMBER 15

North Heidelberg could be set to lose two key players, with LEIGH GILBERT and MICHAEL FLORANCE both submitting transfers from the Kennel.

Gilbert has been an outstanding contributor to the Bulldogs since joining from Greensborough in 2010 – booting 290 goals in 173 appearances for the club.

But after a decade at Shelley Reserve, the 33-year-old is looking to join former Greensborough teammate Andrew Fairchild at Kinglake.

Gilbert was captain of the 2014 Division 2 premiership team and also featured in the 2017 premiership side.

He won the Bulldogs best and fairest in 2012 and was named in the Division 2 Team of the Year in 2017, 2016 and 2013. He was also selected in the 2007 Division 1 Team of the Year while playing with the Boro.

Gilbert enjoyed another outstanding season in 2019 and finished third in North Heidelberg’s best and fairest, which helped steer the club to a second-consecutive preliminary final appearance in the top flight.

Florance has lodged a transfer to Diamond Creek in what would be a further boost to the Creekers’ ruck stocks – with Florance set to work alongside Josh Marchbank.

The ruckman only began playing football in 2015, but has been a revelation in 90 matches for the Bulldogs.

He was a key member of the club’s 2017 Division 2 premiership team, after winning the best and fairest in just his second season in 2016. He also finished runner-up for the award in both 2015 and 2018.

Florance was named in the ruck in the 2018 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year and also featured in the A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 Team of the Year in 2016.


NOVEMBER 14

Thomastown’s DYLAN CHAPMAN looks to be on the move from Main Street Reserve, with the star ruckman entering a transfer to return to AFL Outer East club Officer.

The 26-year-old was a standout in two seasons with the Bears and was named in the A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 Team of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.

Chapman featured in Thomastown’s best players in 24 of his 32 games with the club and finished runner-up to Matthew Vasilevski in last year’s best and fairest, before a fourth-place finish in 2019.

He previously played 70 games for Officer prior to joining Thomastown.

It’s been a great day for Heidelberg West, with three-time Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 best and fairest JARRYD COULSON recommitting with the club.

It’s a major boost for the Hawks as they strive to end a long finals drought under new coach Michael Missen in 2020.

The Hawks’ skipper this year became the third player in league history to win three senior men’s football best and fairest awards and just the second player, behind Diamond Creek’s John Elliot, to win the best and fairest in three-successive years.

Coulson has been named in the ruck in the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Team of the Year in each of the past three seasons and has captained Heidelberg West for the past two years.

In more news from Heidelberg West, dual Reservoir best and fairest SAMUEL McDOWELL looks to be on his way to Heidelberg Park after requesting a transfer from the Mustangs.

McDowell was a standout in his two seasons at Crispe Park and was crowned the Mustangs club champion in both 2018 and 2019.

He was named in the 40-man squad for the 2019 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Team of Year and featured in the Mustangs best players in 18 of 24 matches.

McDowell previously played 61 senior games for Maryborough prior to joining Reservoir last year.


NOVEMBER 13

Eltham has submitted its transfer for BRADYN TAGLIERI and the request has been approved by Balwyn.

The three-time NFNL representative midfielder spent the 2019 with the EFL powerhouse but has made a swift return to the Panthers.

It is a major boost for the club, who will enter the 2020 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 season with a new coach in Greensborough legend Robert Hyde.

Taglieri has played 119 games for Eltham and won the club’s best and fairest in 2015.

• South Morang midfielder BAILEY BROWN is making the jump to Division 1, with the young star looking to make a move to Montmorency.

Brown won South Morang’s best and fairest in 2018 and was also named in the 2018 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Team of the Year in his first full season of senior football.

He played in the 2017 grand final in just his sixth senior appearance and was also a member of the Lions’ grand final side that lost this year’s premiership decider to Panton Hill.

Meanwhile, teammate NATHAN TASSELL has lodged a transfer to join Caroline Springs, however South Morang has denied the clearance.

Reservoir’s DANIEL SEBEH has lodged a transfer to join EDFL Premier Division club Glenroy. The 21-year-old finished third in the Mustangs best and fairest this year and was named among the club’s best players in seven of his 14 appearances.


NOVEMBER 12

Hurstbridge has announced the signing of TOM GRIMES and JACK STEWART.

Grimes has previously played 61 senior matches for the Bridges and was among the best players on the ground in the 2016 Division 2 grand final win over North Heidelberg.

He spent the 2019 season at Warrandyte and booted 26 goals in 17 appearances in the EFL Division 3 competition.

Grimes is a former Northern Knights representative and also spent time with the Northern Blues in the former AFL Victoria Development League.

Stewart is a 19-year-old who joins from Laurimar.

He made his senior debut at 17 and has gone on to play 19 senior games for the Power.

He overcame injury early in the 2019 season to play nine games, including both the second semi and preliminary final.

Stewart was a member of the Box Hill Hawks list in 2019, but didn’t play a game for the VFL club.


NOVEMBER 11

Northcote Park has made waves by announcing the signing of retired Essendon midfielder DAVID MYERS.

Myers is among a dozen new inclusions set to join the Cougars under Barry Mitchell, including West Coburg’s TOM BARAVI, Collingwood VFL-listed midfielder JACKSON WILLIAMS, Old Scotch star WILL MITCHELL, Epping defender REED JEPSON and NAB League representatives LUCAS PERRY (Northern Knights) and JONAH HORO (Western Jets).

Myers was selected at pick No.6 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft and went on to play 123 AFL games across 11 seasons with Essendon.

The raking left footer announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2019 season, after spending much of year with the Bombers’ VFL side – where he was among the best players in 11 of his 14 appearances.

Speaking to Leader, Northcote Park coach Barry Mitchell said Myers could spend time forward next year as a replacement for Ash Close.

Tom Baravi joins from West Coburg after finishing runner-up in the EDFL Division 1 best and fairest, while VFL-listed Williams this year featured in the AFL Victoria Young Guns series and has previous TAC Cup experience with Bendigo Pioneers.

Will Mitchell is the son of new Cougars coach Barry and joins after a dominant season at Old Scotch, where he featured in the club’s best players in 13 of 15 matches to steer the Cardinals into the VAFA Premier B grand final.

North Ballarat City has entered a transfer for West Preston-Lakeside defender SAM GLOVER, in a move that would see the 22-year-old return to his junior club.

Glover won the Roosters’ best and fairest in their 2018 premiership campaign and was named in the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year in the same season.

His outstanding campaign saw him added to Collingwood’s VFL list this year, where he went on to play 12 games and impressed enough to earn an invitation to the state AFL Draft Combine.

Glover played junior football with the Ballarat Football League club and represented the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the TAC Cup in both 2013 and 2014.

He joined the Northern Blues in 2016 and spent two seasons on the club’s VFL list, while also playing with Kew in the VAFA.

Laurimar has submitted transfers for six players, including former Division 2 leading goal kicker DANIEL FRANCIS, Hurstbridge duo MATT GERSH and MITCH LUCAS and Reservoir defender PAUL CLUNEY.

Francis has been restricted to just two senior games over the past two years, but has been a noted goal kicker during stints with Hurstbridge and Fitzroy Stars.

The 27-year-old has booted 260 goals in 100 senior matches, which includes a 71-goal season for the Stars in 2016 when he took out the Division 2 leading goal kicker award.

Gersh and Lucas have both played senior football at both Division 1 and Division 2 level and made appearances for Hurstbridge this year, while Cluney played 26 games for the Mustangs over the past two years.


NOVEMBER 10

• JHYE BADDELEY KELLY is one step closer to returning to Epping, with his transfer officially lodged to join the Blues from North Heidelberg.

The 23-year-old played junior football at Epping Recreation Reserve and has since gone on to become one of the competition’s most versatile players.

Baddeley-Kelly played 70 senior games for Lalor and won the club’s best and fairest in 2017, before adding another 39 with the Bulldogs over the past two seasons.

He was a member of the NFNL representative side in both 2018 and 2019, and represented Vic Metro in both years.

Baddeley-Kelly was named in the 2018 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year and was also listed by VFL club Williamstown in 2019.

West Preston-Lakeside premiership player NICHOLAS KEMPE appears headed for Doncaster after one season with the Roosters.

The 21-year-old played 13 games in 2019, including all four finals, as the Roosters claimed a historic premiership triumph.

The Queenslander joined West Preston-Lakeside from Broadbeach at the beginning of 2019 and had previous NEAFL experience with Southport and Gold Coast.


NOVEMBER 9

Diamond Creek has entered transfer requests for four players, including JAKE WILD, JAYDEN WALKER, MATT SORRENTI and TOM McGIBBONY.

23-year-old Wild has spent the past three seasons with Yarrawonga and prior to that played at Mulwala, where he was a member of the Murray Football League representative team.

Wild has experience in the NFNL after featuring for Montmorency in 2014 and has represented both the Murray Bushrangers and Northern Knights in the TAC Cup.

Walker is a noted goal kicker in the Essendon District Football League and joins the Creekers after playing just one game in 2019.

He kicked 62 goals in 32 appearances for Glenroy, which includes a 50-goal haul in the club’s 2017 premiership campaign.

The 24-year-old has also played senior football for Greenvale and Roxburgh Park and previously represented the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup.

Sorrenti and McGibbony have both played country football in recent seasons, with Sorrenti joining from Avenel and McGibbony crossing from Thurgoona.

Watsonia has lodged transfers for seven players.

Among those heading to A.K. Lines Reserve are Lalor’s JOSH NOVELLI, Greensborough duo JACOB PICKETT and JESSE PRESSER, Montmorency’s XAVIER CAHILL, West Preston-Lakeside’s KHODR WAARI and Bundoora’s MILAD ALMATRAH.

Novelli was a member of West Preston-Lakeside’s 2018 premiership side before enduring an injury plagued 2019 with Lalor, where he managed just seven games.

Pickett and Presser have both played senior football with Greensborough in recent seasons. Pickett has played 27 senior games for the Boro, including nine in 2019, while Presser featured five times in 2018.

Waari didn’t play in 2019, but previously played 28 games for West Preston-Lakeside. He has also represented the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup and the Northern Blues in the former VFL Development League.

Cahill made 45 appearances in Montmorency’s senior side over the past six years, including six games in 2019, while Almatrah won the NFNL Division 1 under-19 goal kicking award in 2017 with 59 majors.


NOVEMBER 8

NFNL representative defender DALE MARSHALL has entered a transfer request from Bundoora to Essendon Doutta Stars.

Marshall played 44 senior games for the Bulls and was a member of the 2017 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 premiership side.

The 22-year-old was part of the NFNL side that claimed the No.1 spot on the AFL Victoria Community Championships rankings with a four-goal win over the Geelong Football Netball League in May.

He played two VFL games for Essendon this season and was also a member of the AFL Victoria Metro Under-25 team that took on the Tasmanian State League.

Marshall won the NFNL Division 1 under-19 best and fairest in 2016 and finished third in Bundoora’s best and fairest in 2018.

Epping has submitted clearances for seven players, including two-time West Preston-Lakeside premiership player JAMES TADD, Lalor skipper JACKSON FREEBAIRN and JORDAN WILKINS, who is looking to return to the Blues after a season at Laurimar.

Tadd played 57 senior games across five seasons with West Preston-Lakeside, including 41 of a possible 44 games over the past two years to help the Roosters become the first club this decade to win consecutive flags in the top flight.

Freebairn returns to Epping after spending the past five seasons at Lalor, including the past two as captain.

He played five games for the Blues in 2014, before going on to feature 81 times for Lalor. He was a member of the Bloods’ 2015 grand final side and also represented the NFNL at under-19 level in 2016.


NOVEMBER 7

Eltham has announced the return of former captain BRADYN TAGLIERI for the 2020 season.

The 27-year-old spent the 2019 campaign with Eastern league powerhouse Balwyn.

Taglieri played 119 senior games for the Panthers between 2010 and 2018. He won the best and fairest in 2015 and led the club to Division 2 grand final last year.

He has been a member of the NFNL representative team on three occasions, in 2018, 2016 and 2015.

Thomastown has entered a transfer for Bundoora forward TODD HUGHES.

Hughes featured in the Bulls’ 2017 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 premiership team and played a leading role in this year’s reserves grand final win.

He previously spent a decade with Lalor and booted 196 goals in his final three seasons with the Bloods. That included taking out the Division 2 goal kicking award in 2015, when he booted 81 goals during the club’s grand final campaign.


NOVEMBER 6

• Macleod has lodged its transfer for Lower Plenty skipper PATTY FLYNN.

Flynn has been one of the competition’s premier big men for the past decade and joins the Roos after an injury-plagued 2019 campaign.

A two-time premiership winner with Lower Plenty, Flynn won the Division 2 best and fairest in 2018 and has previously claimed Coaches MVP award in both Division 1 and Division 2.

He was best afield in Lower Plenty’s grand final win over Eltham in 2018 and joins Macleod after 152 appearances for the Bears.

MUHAMMAD SAAD looks set to depart Macleod after one season at De Winton Park. The VFL-listed forward has lodged a clearance to join Avondale Heights. Saad was among a host of Coburg-listed players to link up with the Roos in 2019 and impressed with 14 goals in eight appearances – highlighted by a five-goal haul in a best on ground display against Bundoora in Round 12. He now looks set for a return to the EDFL, having previously lined up for West Coburg.

• Reservoir has made transfer applications for three players from Laverton, including PATRICK LEE, RYAN TYSON and PETER BOYD. Lee topped the WRFL club’s goal kicking with 22 majors this year. The Mustangs have also added JONAH TAYLOR from Watsonia, who booted 12 goals in seven appearances for the Saints in 2018.

ADAM BROVEDANI looks set to join East Burwood after 50 senior games for Eltham. The 23-year-old has been a member of the Panthers’ senior line-up for the past six seasons, but was restricted to just seven games in 2019 due to injury.


NOVEMBER 5

• Montmorency has announced the signing of TOM MICHAEL. The 23-year-old tall forward has played with NEAFL club Redland, before moving to Victoria and linking up with St Albans in the Geelong Football League.


NOVEMBER 4

• Bundoora tall DANIEL GUCCIONE has been approved a transfer to join EDFL Premier Division club Pascoe Vale.

The 23-year-old key position player played 36 senior games for the Bulls over the past three seasons, including a career-high 16 games in 2018.

He played 13 matches in 2019 and also shared his time with Essendon’s VFL side, where he featured seven times.

• Heidelberg youngster JARROD WALTERS has a pending transfer to join St Bernards in the VAFA. Walters joined the Tigers from AFL Barwon outfit St Mary’s this year and went on to play 10 games, including both finals. He also played two VFL games for the Northern Blues. He previously represented Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup and also played for Vic Country’s under-19 team in its clash with the VAFA in 2018.


NOVEMBER 3

• Heidelberg West has announced the signing of former Panton Hill premiership player LLOYD TOFFOLON. The 30-year-old was a member of the Redbacks’ 2013 grand final team that defeated Watsonia by one point. He has also played senior football at Old Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Balwyn and, most recently, with AFL Barwon’s St Albans.

The Hawks have today also lodged transfers for recently announced signings ALLAN YOUNG and ALEX WILLIAMSON.

AARYN GIBSON will return to Epping after spending the past two seasons with the Fitzroy Stars. The versatile tall played 35 senior games for the Blues between 2014 to 2016, before adding another 17 with the Stars.

• HAYDEN HUNT is looking to return to Eltham. Hunt played 11 senior games for the Panthers before spending the past two years with North Heidelberg’s reserves. He did play one senior game for the Bulldogs in 2018.


NOVEMBER 2

• Old Ivanhoe has officially entered a transfer for Northcote Park key forward ASH CLOSE, who is joining the VAFA club as playing-coach in 2020.

Close joined the Cougars in 2015 and has been one of the competition’s most dominant forwards in his time in the NFNL – booting 136 goals in 49 appearances, while also spending time with Collingwood’s VFL side.

He was named at centre half forward in the 2017 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year and booted five goals in the NFNL’s huge representative win over the WRFL in the same year.

• Fitzroy Stars midfielder ETHAN PENRITH has lodged a transfer to join Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside. Penrith shared the Stars best and fairest with Max Maynard this season despite playing just nine games. The 20-year-old also played five VFL games with the Northern Blues in 2019, adding to the 16 he played last year. Penrith previously listed Northcote Park as his nominated home club and made one appearance for the Cougars in 2018.

• After announcing their signings on October 6, Lower Plenty has entered transfer for KIERAN MALONE, RORY KAVANAGH, JAMES ELLIOTT and TOM SCOTT. Malone returns to the club after stints with Eltham, Banyule and Old Eltham Collegians. He featured in Banyule’s premiership team in 2017 and was a standout for Old Eltham Collegians this year – winning the club’s best and fairest in its inaugural season in the NFNL. He also finished inside the top five in the league best and fairest and Coaches MVP voting after kicking 34 goals in 11 games.

• Mernda has lodged transfers for seven players, including former Lalor skipper SHANNON SMITH and Craigieburn teammates JACOB AUSTIN and BRYCE KIMULIATIS – all of whom the Demons announced as signings last month. Thomastown defender LANE TUCKER also looks headed for Waterview Recreation Reserve in 2020, linking up with former coach Robert Fletcher – who he played under at Jacana. Tucker played every game for Thomastown in 2018, before adding another four this year.


NOVEMBER 1

• Heidelberg co-captain RYAN STONE appears set for a return to Wangaratta Rovers after six seasons at Warringal Park.

Stone previously played 71 senior games for the Rovers before crossing to Heidelberg. He has lodged a transfer back to the Ovens & Murray Football League club on the opening day of the 2020 transfer window.

A three-time NFNL representative, Stone has played 93 senior games with Heidelberg since joining in 2014.

He was a member of Heidelberg’s 2016 premiership side and also featured in the Tigers’ 2014 grand final team in his first season with the club.

Stone was runner-up in Heidelberg’s best and fairest count in both 2018 and 2017, before this year assuming the captaincy with Sam Gilmore.

• While Ryan Stone looks on the way out, Heidelberg co-skipper SAM GILMORE has recommitted for the 2020 season. Gilmore enjoyed a dominant 2019 campaign and became the first Heidelberg player to win the Division 1 Coaches MVP award. He also won the Tigers’ best and fairest award, the Blair Harvey Medal.

ADAM OXLEY has entered a transfer to return to NEAFL club Redland. Oxley played 34 AFL games for Collingwood between 2013 and 2018, before combining his time between the Magpies VFL side and Eltham in 2019. He played five games for the Panthers, including both finals, and was named best afield in the 19-point first semi final win over Thomastown.

• Thomastown forward JACOB OSEI-DURO is on the move after 123 senior games with the Bears. The 2014 premiership player and competition leading goal kicker is headed to EDFL club Tullamarine. Osei-Duro booted 261 goals for the Bears, headlined by a 76-goal haul to steer the club to the 2014 Division 3 flag. He this year finished runner-up in the Division 2 reserves best and fairest, despite playing only six games in the competition.

• Lalor has wasted no time, filing 10 transfers on the opening day of the transfer window. Among those on their way to Lalor Reserve in 2020 are LOUIS HILL, JUSTIN BENTLEY, ANTHONY REARDON and STEVEN MILES.

Hill is a two-time premiership winner with North Heidelberg and spent the 2019 season with Yarroweyah, while Bentley has played senior football for Heidelberg West, North Heidelberg, Northcote Park and, most recently, Coburg Districts.

Reardon is a strong defender who has been named the best players in 16 of 42 matches for Braybrook over the past three seasons, while Miles has senior experience with the Fitzroy Stars and Parkside.

• Mernda has suffered an early blow, with BRAD DIMECH entering a transfer to return to EDFL outfit Roxburgh Park, although the transfer has been denied by the Demons. The 21-year-old midfielder was a revelation in his two seasons with Mernda – winning this year’s best and fairest after last year finishing tied for fifth despite playing just nine games. Dimech was the Demons’ sole representative in the 2019 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Team of the Year. He has previously played 58 games for Roxburgh Park. Mernda teammate BRENDEN EGBERTS also has a pending transfer to the EDFL club.

• Epping has denied a transfer request for THOMAS BURNSIDE to join Balranald in the Central Murray Football Netball League. The youngster was a revelation for the Blues this season after crossing from East Sunbury, playing all but one game and finishing fourth in the best and fairest.


OCTOBER 30

• Eltham has confirmed the re-signing of key duo ANTON WOODS and TIM CURRIE for the 2020 season.

Woods captained the Panthers in 2019 and has been a member of the NFNL’s representative team in each of the past three seasons. He won the club’s best and fairest in 2017 and has finished inside the top-five of the club’s best and fairest in four of the past five years.

Currie returned to Eltham in 2018 after a successful stint with Williamstown, which included being part of the Seagulls’ VFL premiership team in 2015. He finished third in Eltham’s best and fairest in 2018 and was also named in the 2018 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 Team of the Year.

• Hurstbridge has announced the signing of Northcote Park dasher TYSON OLD. The 23-year-old has played 51 senior games for the Cougars over the past four seasons and finished equal-fourth in the 2017 best and fairest to help steer the club to the preliminary final. Old made four VFL appearances for Coburg this year and has again signed on for the 2020 season, however he looks set to list Hurstbridge as his nominated home club.

• Watsonia forward ALLAN YOUNG is headed to Heidelberg West in 2020. Young booted 93 goals in 59 appearances across two stints with the Saints and was a member of the club’s leadership group in recent seasons. He also kicked 64 goals in 46 senior matches for Heidelberg and was a member of the Tigers’ Division 1 grand final side in 2014 and 2012.


OCTOBER 29

• Fitzroy Stars announce their first recruit under new coach Dean Rioli, with young gun JESSE FIREBRACE signing for the 2020 season. Firebrace booted 44 goals in 30 senior matches for St Kilda City over the past two years and now joins his brother Jake at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. He has previously represented the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup and won the best on ground medal in the SFNL’s under-18 representative clash in 2016.


OCTOBER 27

• Mernda has unveiled the signing of former Craigieburn and Jacana duo BRYCE KIMULIATIS and JACOB AUSTIN. Both were members of Jacana’s EDFL Division 2 premiership side in 2017, before joining Craigieburn this year. Kimuliatis is a forward who will serve as a playing assistant coach for Mernda, while Austin is a key defender and won Jacana’s best and fairest in 2016.


OCTOBER 25

• Heidelberg has bid farewell to TOM SULLIVAN, who will return to former club Tatura in 2020.

Sullivan has been one of the competition’s standout players since joining the Tigers.

He was an integral part of the club’s premiership success in his first season with the club in 2016 – finishing equal-second in the best and fairest and starring in the grand final win over Macleod.

He was named in the Division 1 Team of the Year in 2017 and won the club’s best and fairest, the Blair Harvey Medal, in the same season.

Sullivan made 71 appearances for the Tigers and finished in the top-five of the club’s best and fairest count in all four seasons at Warringal Park – which included a fourth-place finish in 2019.

Heidelberg also looks set to be without 2019 best and fairest runner-up JACK BLAIR, who has joined brother Jarryd at VFL side Port Melbourne, while SAM GRIMLEY has joined Uni Blues in the VAFA.

Grimley topped the Tigers’ goal kicking in two of his three seasons with the club and finished with 121 goals in 51 appearances.


OCTOBER 24

• TODD HUGHES will link up with Thomastown in 2020. The key forward has spent the past three seasons with Bundoora. He was a member of the Bulls’ 2017 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 premiership team, before starring in this year’s reserves’ grand final win over Greensborough. He previously spent a decade with Lalor and booted 196 goals in his final three seasons with the Bloods. That included taking out the Division 2 goal kicking award in 2015, when he booted 81 goals during the club’s grand final campaign.

• JORDAN WILKINS will return to Epping after spending the 2019 season with Laurimar. The 20-year-old is a three-time junior best and fairest winner with the club and played 30 senior games with the Blues, including the 2016 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 grand final loss to Watsonia. He made 11 appearances for Laurimar this year, but missed the finals series through injury.


OCTOBER 23

• Montmorency will welcome back BEN KENNEDY in 2020.

Kennedy won the Magpies best and fairest in 2018, when he was also named in the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year and finished runner up in the Coaches MVP award. He spent the 2019 season with Williamstown and featured in the Seagulls’ VFL grand final loss, but will return to Montmorency on a full-time basis next year.

Kennedy played 40 AFL games for Collingwood and Melbourne between 2013 to 2016.


OCTOBER 15

• The good news continues for Epping, with two-time West Preston-Lakeside premiership player JAMES TADD signing on for the 2020 season.

The 23-year-old played 41 of a possible 44 games for the Roosters over the past two years as they became the first Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 side this decade to win back-to-back flags.

Tadd played a total of 57 senior games across five seasons with West Preston-Lakeside and looks a welcome addition to the Blues as they aim to rise up the A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 ladder following a bottom-place finish in 2019.


OCTOBER 14

• Macleod announces the signing of Lower Plenty skipper PATTY FLYNN.

Flynn has been one of the competition’s premier big men for the past decade and joins the Roos after an injury-plagued 2019 campaign.

A two-time Division 2 premiership winner, Flynn produced one of the all-time great seasons in 2018. He was best afield in the club’s incredible Division 2 grand final win over Eltham, before also winning the competition best and fairest.

Flynn played a total of 152 games for Lower Plenty and has previously been a member of the NFNL representative team.

• Banyule will welcome back NICK BISCONTIN in 2020 after a stint playing cricket in England. Biscontin was a member of the Bears’ 2017 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 premiership and was named at full back in the 2018 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 Team of the Year.


OCTOBER 12

BRENT MACAFFER has recommited to Eltham for the next three seasons.

The 2010 Collingwood premiership player this year became the first Eltham player to win a league best and fairest since 1982 – sharing the Division 2 award with Whittlesea’s Xavier Dimasi and Banyule’s Riley Loton.

Macaffer has won the Division 2 Coaches MVP award in each of the past two years, as well as scooping Eltham’s best and fairest in both his seasons at Panther Place.

He also took on the senior coaching role in the final two months of the 2019 season, sharing the role with Michael Still.


OCTOBER 10

• Former Lalor skipper SHANNON SMITH has signed on as a playing-assistant with Mernda.

Smith returns to the NFNL after a two-year stint with Craigieburn, who he helped guide to the EDFL’s Division 1 flag this year.

He kicked 70 goals in 36 games over the past two years, which included a 41-goal haul during the club’s premiership campaign in 2019.

Smith was a standout during his time with Lalor. He booted 70 goals in the Bloods’ 2007 Division 2 premiership season and was captain of the 2015 Division 2 grand final side that lost a thriller against Whittlesea by three points.


OCTOBER 6

KIERAN MALONE will return to Lower Plenty in 2020.

The 23-year-old played three senior games with the Bears in 2013, while still playing junior football at Research.

He has since gone on to play senior football with Eltham, Banyule and Old Eltham Collegians.

Malone was a member of Banyule’s 2017 premiership side and this year starred for Old Eltham Collegians in its inaugural season in the NFNL.

He kicked 34 goals in just 11 games this year to earn selection in the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Team of the Year and finished inside the top-five in both the best and fairest and Coaches MVP voting.

Malone will be joined at Lower Plenty by Macleod’s TOM SCOTT, Yarrawonga’s JAMES ELLIOTT and Diamond Creek’s RORY KAVANAGH.


OCTOBER 1

• Epping has pulled off a major recruiting coup, with two-time NFNL and Vic Metro representative JHYE BADDELEY-KELLY crossing from North Heidelberg.

The 23-year-old played junior football with the Blues and has since gone on to become one of the competition’s most versatile players.

Baddeley-Kelly played 70 senior games for Lalor and won the club’s best and fairest in 2017, before adding another 39 with the Bulldogs over the past two years.

He was named in the 2018 Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 Team of the Year and was also listed by VFL club Williamstown in 2019.


SEPTEMBER 27

• Bundoora has announced the signing of former Fremantle-listed forward HAMISH SHEPHEARD.

Selected by the Dockers with pick No.34 in the 2009 rookie draft, Shepheard has experience at VFL, WAFL and NEAFL level.

He played seven games for VAFA club Old Ivanhoe in 2019, which included a nine-goal haul in Round 3.

He looks set to be joined at Yulong Reserve by North Heidelberg premiership forward KYLE GREEN and exciting Eltham youngster JESSE KING.

Green featured in the Bulldogs’ 2017 premiership team and booted 60 goals in 75 appearances for the club, while King showed promising signs for the Panthers in 2019 – booting 13 goals in seven games before suffering a season-ending injury.


SEPTEMBER 25

• Diamond Creek has announced the signing of JAKE WILD – its first recruit under new coach Andrew Tranquilli.

Wild has spent the past three seasons with Yarrawonga and prior to that played at Mulwala, where he also was a member of the Murray Football League representative team.

Wild has experience in the NFNL after featuring for Montmorency in 2014 and has represented both the Murray Bushrangers and Northern Knights in the TAC CUP.


 

Related News