General Bombers Talk General VFL Chat

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Fin ice Smuggler

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Nov 13, 2010
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Would be interested who we sign, what are the rules around team lists now? Is this where the club can look at mid season draftee types?
 
Would be interested who we sign, what are the rules around team lists now? Is this where the club can look at mid season draftee types?
I assume it's pretty similar to last year. 25 "Senior" players and 5 "rookies" from memory. We also have access to 19 year olds from Calder, as do Coburg.
 
So I think Alignment goes as follows:

Bendigo - Richmond
Calder - Coburg and Essendon
Dandenong - Frankston
Eastern - Box Hill
Falcons - Werribee and Geelong
Gippsland - Casey
GWV - North (I think)
Murray - Richmond
Northern - Carlton and Preston
Oakleigh - Collingwood and Port
Dragons - Sandringham
Tasmania - North and Box Hill
Western - Williamstown and Footscray
 
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Handy player to bring in. Averaged around the 22-23 possession mark for Port in the SANFL. Right footed Dylan Clarke
 
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Jul 19, 2010
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Actually, I Remember Bluey, are you able to access it?



Pen has been hitting paper in the past few weeks as VFL clubs sign their recruits for the expanded 2021.
There are more signings to come, but here are 60 of the best so far, from A to Z.

Ryan Abbott (Geelong VFL): cast off by the Cats in 2019, Abbott was snapped up by St Kilda to add depth to its ruck stocks. However, he was only given one year and will return to the Cattery in 2021 as part of the club’s VFL list. Depending on the AFL-listed players available, the 29-year-old big man should shoulder most of the ruck work this season.


New Bullant: Paul Ahern.
Paul Ahern (Northern Blues): after his surprise delisting by the Kangaroos, AFL clubs will be keeping a close eye on the former No 7 draft pick. After playing 22 AFL games, Ahern will be the primary midfielder for the Bullants this year. He averaged 21 disposals a game in his 2018 breakout season and Bullants coach Josh Fraser is excited by what he can bring to the club, on and off the field.

Jacob Allison (Aspley): the adaptable tall was an Aspley junior, gaining All Australian selection as a 17-year-old, and returns to the club after a stint with Brisbane Lions that brought him 10 AFL matches.

Kade Answerth (North Melbourne VFL): the former Sandringham captain and best-and-fairest winner opted for a change of scenery in 2021, signing with North Melbourne. A tenacious midfielder, he is expected to be an important addition for Kangaroos coach Leigh Adams with his experience and strength around the contest.


New Don: Joe Atley.
Joe Atley (Essendon VFL): the younger brother of North Melbourne’s Shaun, Atley was delisted by Port Adelaide after four games in four years. The former Bendigo Pioneer will add some pace to Essendon’s midfield but his role, like Dunkley, will depend on what AFL players are sent back to the VFL each week. Bombers coach Leigh Tudor expects Atley’s mature body to be critical in the engine room.

Ryan Bastinac (Aspley): the former North Melbourne and Brisbane midfielder played eight SANFL matches for Norwood last season, averaging 23.4 disposals. At 29, he’s offers the Hornets on-field know-how – he had 164 AFL appearances – and leadership. A superb signing.

Josh Begley (Frankston): the 22-year-old forward joins the Dolphins after four years at Essendon, where he played 16 AFL games. It made for a happy match when Frankston contacted Begley: he signed within a few days of being sounded out, the absence of haggling telling coach Danny Ryan he had a committed, keen young player. “He’s a dynamic, powerful player who was probably unlucky in being squeezed off Essendon’s list,’’ Ryan said. “We’re rapt to have him on board. He’s a 188cm half forward who can also go in the midfield. He’s a great runner, uses the ball well, strong body. We think he brings a bit of leadership too.’’


New Dolphin: Josh Begley.
Anthony Brolic (Frankston): the smooth-moving midfielder is coming back to the VFL after spending 2019 in the Eastern league with Rowville. He’d made a good name at Box Hill Hawks, playing in their 2018 premiership and gaining team-of-the-year recognition.

Wylie Buzza (Werribee): the high-flying Buzza will call Avalon Airport Oval home this year after coming off the list at Port Adelaide, which he joined following a four-year stint with Geelong. Buzza played nine AFL matches with the Cats and is eager to get a third AFL listing. “I still think I’ve got something to prove at the top level,” he told the Geelong Advertiser. “COVID wasn’t an ideal situation for me. It was not the easiest way to put your best foot forward when there’s no regular games to play in. I still feel like I’ve got something to offer and I think I can give it my best chance.”


New Bee: Wylie Buzza.
Daniel Coffield (Sandringham): the brother of emerging Saint Nick, but a good player in his own right. Coffield played in Richmond’s 2019 VFL premiership team, won its best and fairest, and was named in the VFL team of the year. The utility played 62 games for the Tigers after being recruited from the Northern Football League.

Josh Clayton (North Melbourne VFL): the former Brisbane Lion played 18 games for Werribee in 2019 after returning to Melbourne. Clayton was a key member of Southport’s maiden NEAFL premiership in 2018. Should step straight into North Melbourne’s best 22 and will provide excellent leadership and a steadying presence around the ground.

Nathan Cooper (Werribee): tall, fit and strong, Cooper played good football for Sydney Uni before linking with, and starring for, Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray league in 2019. Cooper had joined Richmond VFL for 2020; 12 months later he’s at the competition’s other Tigers.


New Blue: Ben Crocker.
Ben Crocker (Carlton VFL): despite playing seven games for Adelaide in 2020, Crocker was surprisingly delisted by the Crows. The midfield-forward returns to Melbourne and will link up with Carlton’s VFL team. Played 33 AFL games between Collingwood and Adelaide, and his experience will be critical as the Blues build their VFL team from the ground up.

Joel Crocker (Frankston): the son of former North Melbourne star Darren is settling in at SkyBus Stadium after two years with the Roos. He’s one of a number of former Sandringham Dragons now at the Dolphins.

Jordan Cunico (Box Hill Hawks): the former Cat is among a package of ex-AFL players to put down roots at the City Oval. Delisted at the end of 2019 after 15 AFL matches from 2015-19, Cunico had agreed to terms with the Northern Blues (now Northern Bullants) for 2020.

Jacob Dawson (Southport): the Sharks are expecting former Gold Coast player Dawson to be one of the best midfielders in the league. Played nine games for the Suns after being taken as a rookie in 2017.


Returning Burger: Lochie Dickson.
Lochie Dickson (Coburg): technically won’t miss a game for the Lions despite departing before the 2020 season. Dickson intended to return to his local club full-time to pursue an employment opportunity but COVID-19 put paid to that and he’s back at Coburg for 2021. Good thing he is: the reigning two-time best-and-fairest winner adds another big body to Coburg’s midfield and can also be damaging off halfback.

Tom Downie (Williamstown): at 203cm, the former Greater Western Sydney big man is a giant of a recruit for Willy in more ways than one. He played nine AFL games and later linked with Old Scotch in the VAFA, where he topped the goalkicking, was in the Premier B team of the year and, crowning all, was the division medal winner. Downie will replace the great Nick Meese as the club’s No 1 ruckman.

Sam Dunell (Sandringham): the classy right-footer is serving as a playing assistant coach for the Zebras, for whom he played 43 matches while on St Kilda’s list (he also played 12 AFL games from 2012-14). Crossing to Williamstown, he figured in its 2015 premiership and 2019 grand final loss, and was twice named in the VFL team of the year. He left Willy after 100 games, joining Old Melburnians in the VAFA for the 2020 season that never got out of the blocks.


New Zebra: Sam Dunell.
Kyle Dunkley (Essendon VFL): the Bombers didn’t draft the younger Dunkley like they promised his brother, Bulldog Josh, but they have added Kyle to their VFL squad. The dangerous forward played five games in his time at Melbourne and will add goalkicking power to the Essendon line-up. Can pinch-hit through the midfield as well but his role will depend on the Dons’ AFL players.

Matt Eagles (Aspley): one of the stars of the TV program “The Recruit’’ is a good recruit for the Hornets, strengthening their stock of big men. Worked to the knuckle to play six AFL matches in his four years with Brisbane Lions.

Corey Ellis (Coburg): arguably Coburg’s biggest recruiting coup of the pre-season. Ellis arrives at Piranha Park after 31 games with Richmond and Gold Coast. Capable of playing across halfback or through the midfield, the former Western Jets junior will give coach Andrew Strugess plenty of flexibility. Has already had a big impact on pre-season training standards.

AFL RNew Lion: Corey Ellis.
Zac Foot (Casey Demons): the Demons were disappointed to lose former West Coast Eagle Kurt Mutimer to local football but they have a like-for-like replacement in Foot, who is coming off two years with the Sydney Swans. Managed two AFL games after being drafted from the Dandenong Stingrays, where he played in the breakthrough premiership.

Sam Fletcher (Frankston): the tall onballer was with Gold Coast Suns in 2019-20 after being recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays as a SSP signing. Fletcher had starred in the Stingrays’ 2018 flag and should quickly emerge as one of Frankston’s best players and brightest prospects in 2021.

Billy Gowers (Southport): the right-footer is one of three former Western Bulldogs who will be part of Southport’s kick-off season in the VFL, and he’ll be a player who will take some holding. Had 33 AFL outings after being brought up from the Footscray VFL team, which he joined after a first listing at Carlton.


New Towner: Jordan Gallucci.
Jordan Gallucci (Williamstown): the speedy and skilled former Crow is training with Richmond in the hope of landing a listing in the pre-season supplemental selection period. A high draft pick in 2016 after captaining the Eastern Ranges and representing Vic Metro, he played 27 AFL games and kicked 19 goals for Adelaide. A foot injury restricted him last year and he was let go by the Crows, perhaps unluckily. Gallucci is sure to be a crowd-pleaser if he does fly with the Seagulls.

Fergus Greene (Box Hill Hawks): joins the Hawks after four years with the Western Bulldogs, where at various times he looked a likely prospect but eventually finished with only five AFL matches, all in 2018. Still, he has a lot of natural talent and a good season at the City Oval could propel him back into the thoughts of recruiters.

Matt Hammelman (Aspley): the 12-game Brisbane Lion is going to keep even the best backmen occupied this season. Made the switch to Aspley from Redland, where he topped the NEAFL goalkicking with 60 majors in 2019.


New Bee: Nick Hayes.
Nick Hayes (Werribee): there was plenty of VFL interest in the star South Australian forward when he relocated to Melbourne at the end of last season, and the Bees were chuffed to snare his signature. He’s 188cm, can take a contested mark and covers the ground well. Figured in Woodville West Torrens’ 2020 premiership.

Jacob Heron (North Melbourne): the small forward made history when he made his debut in China in 2018, the first player to take his senior bow outside Australia. He played 13 games for the Suns before being delisted last year. A Cairns native and Suns Academy graduate, Heron has made the move to Melbourne to continue his footballing journey with North Melbourne’s VFL team.

Mitch Hibberd (Williamstown): the former Kangaroo is one of the more unusual listings in the recruiting round-up. He played in Williamstown’s most recent match, the 2019 grand final against Richmond, was drafted by Essendon and played five AFL games in 2020. Delisted by the Dons, he’s back at Willy, who can say they never really lost him. They’ll also say he’ll be among their most important players.

New Roo: Harry Jones.
Harry Jones (North Melbourne VFL): having been let go by Hawthorn after one AFL game, Jones crosses to Arden Street to join North Melbourne’s VFL team. Injuries curtailed his career at the top level but he will be a welcome addition to coach Leigh Adams’ midfield with the Kangaroos expected to field a relatively young and inexperienced line-up in 2021 given the club’s AFL rebuild.

Jesse Joyce (Southport): brings to the Sharks the experience of 64 AFL games for Gold Coast after working his way up from the rookie list. At 191cm he can play on defenders tall and small.

Patrick Kerr (Port Melbourne): delisted by Carlton after four AFL matches, the key forward will add a sure boot and strong hands to a Borough attack weakened by the departure of Jordie Lisle to Balwyn. Booted 20 goals for the Northern Blues in 2019 and with steady supply from a good Port midfield he should be a prominent goalkicker in the VFL in 2021.

Darcy Lang (Geelong VFL): the Colac native was originally drafted by Geelong and is back in the blue and white hoops after being discarded by Carlton. The forward-midfielder played 64 games between the Cats and Blues, and will give coach Shane O’Bree some much-needed experience.


New Shark: Brad Lynch.
Brad Lynch (Southport): the dashing former Western Bulldog will add a power of run off half back and through the middle for the Sharks. Was pursued by clubs in his home state of WA after he was delisted after nine AFL games, but he joined teammates Lukas Webb and Billy Gowers in setting sail for Southport. “Lynch is going to be great for us. His experience in an AFL system and his talent are going to be really beneficial, and I am delighted that he has decided to play for us as well,” coach Steve Daniel said.

Corey Lyons (Aspley): the former Brisbane Lions lister is a classy addition to the midfield, where he racked up big numbers in the NEAFL in 2019. The brother of 2021 Lion Jarryd Lions.

Harrison Macreadie (Williamstown): eased off Carlton’s books, the 194cm key defender joined his cousins Sam and Nick Murray at Point Gellibrand. Held up by injuries, Macreadie played nine AFL games and 33 VFL games with the Northern Blues.

Liam Mackie (Northern Blues): a former Collingwood rookie-listed player who was drafted from SANFL club Glenelg. Mackie crosses to Preston City Oval after two years and 13 games at Box Hill. The half-back flanker will provide experience to the revived Northern Bullants. Coach Josh Fraser expects Mackie to flourish with more opportunity at a stand-alone club.


New Lion: Jack Maibaum.
Jack Maibaum (Coburg): the former Swan was due to join Coburg for 2020 before being redrafted as a rookie. Was again released after the 2020 season and Lions GM Sebastian Spagnuolo was only too happy to add him to the list a second time. At 194cm and 91kg, Maibaum will slot straight into centre half-back and provide a strong combination with Harry Nolan. Coburg will be a lot harder to score against in 2021.

Tom McKenzie (Coburg): had signed with North Melbourne’s VFL team for 2020 after being delisted from the AFL squad. However, the former Vic Metro midfielder will line up for Coburg in 2021 and look to press his claims for an AFL return. Is capable of playing off halfback or through the midfield, giving coach Andrew Sturgess versatility as he moves his magnets.

Teia Miles (Williamstown): the right-footer hooked up with Geelong VFL after coming off Hawthorn’s list at the end of 2019. He was a dependable and often dashing player for Box Hill Hawks (and featured in their 2018 premiership) in between his 12 AFL appearances.


New Seagull: Teia Miles.
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh (Coburg): Coburg was looking for more scoring power for 2021 and looks to have solved the problem with 197cm key forward Mullenger-McHugh. The former Western Bulldogs rookie kicked eight goals in his 11 games with Box Hill in 2019 and will pack a strong one-two punch up front with Lions skipper Peter McEvoy. Capable of also moving back to help out in defence.

Luke Nelson (Coburg): the speedy small man was one of the lucky footballers to take the field in 2020, turning out for Lauderdale in the Tasmanian State League. Nelson kicked 18 goals in 11 games and was named in the league’s team of the year. The dangerous forward spent time with Richmond’s VFL squad where he kicked 10 goals in his first three games, including a bag of five against Geelong.

Tom North (Carlton VFL): surprisingly was never given a chance at Fremantle despite the Dockers’ struggles on the field. Averaged 20 disposals in 17 WAFL games for Peel Thunder in 2019 but didn’t get to take the field in a competitive game in 2020 due to being in the AFL’s Queensland hub. Will no doubt hope to continue to push his AFL claims with the Blues.

James Parsons (Carlton VFL): Parsons played 35 AFL games before being delisted by Geelong at the end of 2020 and despite signing with South Barwon as his local team, will turn out for Carlton in the VFL. Given Carlton’s VFL team is new, the midfield-forward will provide some much-needed nouse under coach former Geelong Falcons and Geelong VFL coach Daniel O’Keefe.


New Hawk: Ed Phillips.
Ed Phillips (Box Hill Hawks): the midfielder played 15 matches for St Kilda, including four last season. “Ed has been a pleasure to have at the club for the past few years. He’s extremely hardworking, dedicated and always looking for ways to help those around him,’’ Saints head of list management James Gallagher said in announcing Phillips’ delisting. “I have no doubt he has big things ahead of him and we wish him all the best with whatever comes next.” Next is the VFL Hawks. Ed’s brother Tom is a new Hawk too.

Cameron Polson (Williamstown): the former Blues followed teammate Harrison Macreadie in taking up with the Towners. The slippery small forward and midfielder made 19 AFL appearances after being drafted from the Sandringham Dragons. “Cam brings plenty of speed, has real power and a knack for finding the ball in tight contests. He’s a player that also has great versatility as he can play in either part of the ground,” Willy football manager Steve Soulsby said. “He’s an emerging leader at 22 and … will be a really good fit for our overall group.”

Callum Porter (Box Hill Hawks): joins Western Bulldogs teammate Fergus Greene in adopting the brown and gold colours. The onballer from Gippsland played his only AFL match last year against the Suns.


New Borough: Fletcher Roberts.
Fletcher Roberts (Port Melbourne): the determined defender must be counted as one of the best recruits of the season given his standing as a premiership player with the Western Bulldogs in 2016. For reasons that eluded a few Dogs fans, he found opportunities scarce in the following few seasons and ended up with 103 VFL matches to go with his 51 AFL appearances. At 27 he’ll be a bulwark of the Borough backline.

Jack Rolls (Aspley): the Hornets swooped on Rolls when Redland Bombers chose not to play in the VFL. He was one of the Bombers’ leading players with his non-stop running, ground-gobbling pace and neat use of the ball.


New Zebra: Jackson Ross.
Jackson Ross (Sandringham): the forward spent three years on Hawthorn’s list, failing to play an AFL game, but showing promising in the VFL, topping Box Hill Hawks’ goalkicking in 2019 with 35 goals, including a bag of five in a 16-possession match against Casey Demons. He also played in Box Hill’s 2018 premiership team. “He’s a good player, a tough player, and he’ll kick some goals,’’ Sandy recruiting manager Josh Vella said.

Ryley Stoddart (Carlton VFL): the Eastern Ranges graduate managed six games for Sydney before being let go after the 2020 season. He returns to Melbourne looking to keep his AFL dream alive with the Blues’ twos. Named in the 2019 NEAFL team of the year, Stoddart is capable of breaking the lines with his pace and brings great versatility to coach Daniel O’Keefe’s line-up.


New Blue: Ryley Stoddart.
Ryan Sturgess (Coburg): was unlucky to be overlooked in the 2019 AFL Draft but trained with Carlton last pre-season before signing for its VFL affiliate. Crossed to Coburg when the Blues withdrew from the VFL alignment before the 2020 season was cancelled and made the move official late last year. Will play under his older brother, coach Andrew Sturgess, and provide pace and drive off halfback or a wing.

Charlie Thompson (Coburg): arguably the most impressive of Coburg’s recruits so far this pre-season with his dedication on the track. The young gun played 15 VFL games in 2018-19 but spent most of 2019 with Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray. The fourth of Coburg’s former Tigers, joining Jacob Ballard, Tom Silvestro and Luke Nelson.

Jack Toner (Williamstown): the former Dandenong Stingray initially signed at Sandringham for 2020 but with the SANFL season going ahead he switched to Central District and did well across 14 matches, gathering 20 or more disposals on four occasions. He’s a good prospect.


New Borough: Corey Wagner.
Corey Wagner (Port Melbourne): his 19 AFL games were spread over four seasons and two clubs, North Melbourne and Melbourne. Wagner hovered on the fringes of the highest level, but performed consistently and often brilliantly in the VFL, winning Casey’s best and fairest in 2018.

Declan Watson (Port Melbourne): the key defender had injury setbacks in his three years at North Melbourne. He’s over them and the Borough have high hopes for Watson. The Queenslander intended to return to his home state and play at Aspley in the NEAFL 2020. “Dec is an athletic defender who moves well for his size and reads the ball incredibly well in flight; and even at that height has the ability to out-mark taller opponents as well,” Port Melbourne football manager Glenn Balmforth said. “Not only does he add significant value from a defensive point of view, but he also wins his own footy and is composed coming out of the defensive 50.”

Matt Walker (North Melbourne): the Murray Bushrangers talent played 15 VFL games for Box Hill in 2019, kicking 23 goals and averaging 14 disposals, but didn’t get to take the field in a competitive match last year and was then delisted by Hawthorn. At 188cm and possessing a strong overhead mark, he’ll provide North Melbourne with great flexibility at VFL level.
 
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