Greenvale is hoping former Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey can add some pace and skill to its side for this season.
The Essendon District Football League premier division club this week confirmed the signing of the 133-game AFL veteran.
Dempsey spent 11 years with the Bombers, playing 14 games last year before being delisted.
Jets’ president Bruce Kent said they delighted to get someone of the talent of Dempsey.
Dempsey will play full time with the Jets, having decided not to play VFL.
“He’s a very skilful footballer,” he said.
“He will be terrific for us. He’s really fit coming out of the AFL system and was a bit unlucky to get delisted.
“He lives in Greenvale and his kids go to school in Greenvale. It couldn’t be a better fit.”
Kent said Dempsey would return to training in February after his commitments in the Palmerston Magpies in the Northern Territory Football League have finished.
Dempsey is the second former Bomber to join the Jets in the offseason, with his former Bombers teammate and Paul Chapman signing on as playing coach.
Kent said the former Geelong legend, who only played two games with his old club Werribee Districts last year, had been enjoying preseason.
“He’s done a full preseason so far. We are realistic that he is 34 though. His intention is to play as many games as possible. He’s not just going out for a run.”
Kent said they were still looking to add a few more players in the off season, but thought the biggest additions would come within.
It was an injury riddled 2016 for the Jets, with several players including Addam Maric, Jacob Thompson and Rowan Nayna, missing large chunks of the season.
The Jets finished third, losing to Aberfeldie in the preliminary final.
“They are people who have played in grand finals for us and will add a lot to the side,” Kent said.
Kent said they had kept most of the playing group together, but will be hurt by the loss of key position players Trent Shinners (playing closer to home) and Matt Smith (retired).
Matthew Vasilevski is another out, joining Northern Football League side Thomastown.
The Jets will kick off their season against Aberfeldie on April 1.
