Shepparton United club junior Zavier Maher has pledged himself to the Skene St end of Deakin Reserve once more when VFL duties with Collingwood permit, following a one-season stint at North Adelaide in the SANFL and 36 games with Carlton.
The explosive midfielders’ return to Northern Football League powerhouse Heidelberg had been announced by the club back in December, but the connection to home and family – which includes father Rick and his three brothers – looks to have played a big part in putting pen to paper with his childhood club.
“Obviously with his connection with his old man Rick it's been a conversation that we've been having for probably years, to be honest,” Dees’ co-coach Trent Freer said.
“(The club) always want our homegrown guys coming back … I think part of what our motto's been is to try and really saturate the place with great people.
“All of our recruits have had a connection (to the club), either playing juniors or they've played seniors there before, or their family members are involved in the club.”
Maher joins a long list of recruits that includes ex-AFL man Michael Barlow, Box Hill captain Stu Horner, and returning export Angus Hicks.
Meanwhile, Rochester has waved goodbye to talented midfielder Drew Lloyd, who has made the move out to Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo Football League after playing a key role in the Tigers’ grand final campaign.
However, Rochester has strengthened its forward line with the recruitment of Felix Fogaty, a former Talent League and Victoria Country representative, who has moved across from Lake Wendouree.
In the Kyabram District League, Murchison-Toolamba has lost another of its stars with two-time premiership player Lachie Devine joining Western region club Spotswood.
Girgarre has gone to work bolstering its list with the addition of Maroochydore defender Fraser Cole, while Stanhope’s Ricky Glass has also made the move to the Roos.
Lastly, Numurkah has committed another talented youngster from Deakin Reserve with former GVL under-18 representative Max Hooper set to suit up for the Blues.
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