A district player finds his way home for 2024, with former Port Adelaide midfielder Aidyn Johnson signing on in Goulburn Valley League.
Tatura has enlisted the Moama export’s services following a stint in 2023 with Avondale Heights in the highly regarded Essendon District Football League.
The 26-year-old played draft-age football with the Bendigo Pioneers before being taken by the Power in the 2015 national draft.
After a four-year stint at Alberton yielded 11 AFL games, the 185cm midfielder spent time at Sturt in the SANFL and Richmond’s VFL program.
The signing represents a significant step up in the Tatura midfield, with the Bulldogs coming off the back of a forgettable 5-13 senior campaign in 2023.
Coach Paul Barnard is delighted at pulling off the coup.
“We’re privileged to have (Aidyn) on board,” Barnard said.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge that helps with how we want to play our footy in 2024.
“It gives us another dimension to complement the current group.
“His primary role will be in the midfield, but he can go forward at stages and complement our current attack.”
Johnson has shown an ability to play forward as well and, while he is not a primary leading target, he should handily assist a forward line that finished with no goal-kickers in the top 20 last season.
Johnson was not the only potential star mid-forward to recently confirm a new home in the GVL.
Euroa has confirmed the addition of Michael Barnes to its roster for season 2024, a talent with a fair old CV of his own.
Hailing from St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in the VAFA, Barnes comes to the Magpies having achieved virtually all he could at his former club, having served as captain for six seasons.
Barnes also won four club best-and-fairest awards, led the Tigers’ goal-kicking twice and was a VAFA representative on two occasions.
Though the Magpies don't have to crank their necks anywhere near as hard as the Bulldogs to get a view of the summit, Euroa will nonetheless have a point to prove after their preliminary final exit.
On the netball courts, Euroa also recommitted club stalwart Eliza Hoare to go around another year.
Hoare boasts more than 150 senior games, to go along with multiple off-field roles during a long tenure at the club.