by Michaela Meade
Former AFL player Brodie Moles will join the ranks at Craigieburn for the 2022 Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
Moles spent time with Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, playing 17 games between 2011 and 2012.
Moles played with Williamstown in the Victorian Football League and finished in the top-five multiple times for the JJ Liston medal.
He has more than 100 games of VFL experience.
Incoming Eagles coach Justin Sherman, who was Moles’ teammate at the Bulldogs, said the team was very excited to welcome Moles.
“He’s going to be bringing an enormous amount of experience for our young group,” Sherman said.
“Obviously the relationship I’ve had with him previously means that I know he’s a good fit.”
Sherman said Moles had approached him for a place with the Eagles, and “one thing led to another”.
“Like us all, he had really missed playing footy,” Sherman said.
“He also said he wanted to make an impact with other players.
“We’re excited for him to come in.
“He’ll bring that on-field leadership, which is something we were really trying to recruit this year, so it’s great.”
Sherman said he was pleased with the line up of talent, heading into next season.
“We’re pretty happy with our squad,” he said.
“We’ve recruited pretty smartly, I think.
“We successfully have been able to add depth to our reserve squads as well.
“That’s how I like to operate, I like to be strong across the board.
“So our under-18s coming through, they’ll be getting the right development and coaching throughout.
“And then our reserve team, we keep them strong, and it puts pressure on our senior group.
“It’ll be good to keep everyone motivated.”
The Eagles announced other new signings including Justin Gelsi, Leigh Dawson, and Nathan King in a post to their Facebook page.
“Leigh [Dawson] is a super tough competitor who sets a high standard for not only himself but his teammates,” the post said.
“We look forward to seeing him in the brown and white and constantly driving the standards.
“Justin [Gelsi] is a 6’4″ centre half forward who is a great left foot kick and also someone we can rely on to take strong contested marks when we need it.
“Nath [King] excels in on field leadership and enjoys taking scalps week in week out as a lockdown defender… we can’t wait to see him in the brown and white.”
Sam Rexhepi, Dylan Humm, Jaydan Woropjow, Stephen Tsonas, Christian Pisano, Michael Wregg, Lochie Phillips and Logan Power are among the other signings.
Former captain Brent Gordon returns to the club after a year off.
Returning players include Billy Morrison, Brodie Griffiths, Nathan Perrone, Johnny Bellino and captain Jamie Gorgievski.
