Amid clubs adding bodies to their lists through wheeling and dealing, a number of players from the Goulburn Valley and Kyabram District Leagues are heading down the Hume Hwy for a change of scenery.
And though the route is south, for many the destination is the Northern Football League.
From the GVL, Echuca youngster Tighe O’Brien has departed the Murray Bombers for division two side Northcote Park.
O’Brien was named best on ground in Echuca’s 2024 reserves premiership, also featuring in the Murray Bombers’ seniors finals run last year and moves following a decade at the club.
Another from the GVL to head south is Liam Mackie.
A stark contrast to O’Brien, Mackie has been on Mooroopna’s list for the past four seasons but has only played six games for the Cats during that period, spending most of his time at Northern Bullants, which has been stripped of its VFL license for 2026.
Mackie, 27, has joined division one club Banyule.
Also making the switch to a division one club is Shepparton United export Zavier Maher, who links up with fellow former GVL jets.
The ex-Demon has signed at reigning premier Heidelberg, which features the likes of Sean Martin (Tatura) and Zane Barzen (Shepparton United), both of whom hoisted the flag last season.
Maher returns to Warringal Park after a year at SANFL side North Adelaide.
He previously spent 2021-24 on the books of Carlton’s VFL side, and has recently joined a stack of other GVL guns at Collingwood’s VFL-aligned program.
In the KDL landscape, two of Rushworth’s boom recruits have moved back closer to home in the Northern league’s second division.
Luke Oakley and Paul Vavlitis, who were integral in the Tigers’ remarkable run to the prelim, have inked a contract at Panton Hill.
Elsewhere, Braydon Hardstaff has wrapped up his two-year stint at Avenel after being picked up by division three outfit Kinglake.
Finally, Moama 100-gamer Mitch Lake will suit up in the Eastern Football Netball League this year, joining division two side East Burwood.
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