HAMPDEN league clubs South Warrnambool and Terang Mortlake have received welcome news entering round two regarding former AFL-listed footballers.
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The Roosters will unveil boom recruit Josh Saunders against Koroit after the 32-game St Kilda midfielder missed the season-opener.
The Bloods have received a clearance for home-grown talent Luke Vogels, who won the Maskell Medal in the club’s 2004 premiership year before he was drafted to Sydney.
Terang Mortlake coach Michael Sargeant said the Bloods were unsure when Vogels – a Melbourne-based police officer – would line up for the Bloods. But the first-year mentor said they were happy to have the ruckman back on their list.
“It will give us a bit of height and more experience but there’s a fair bit of water to go under the bridge yet,” Sargeant said.
“We are happy he is interested in coming back, to be honest. We like to think any Terang Mortlake player who leaves comes back at some stage.”
The Bloods welcome TAC Cup-listed Lachie Wareham and Sam McLean for their clash against Camperdown.
Best 21 regulars Gus Bourke (ankle) and Tyson Densley (unavailable) will miss.
Saunders will join VFL-listed tall Shannon Beks in the South Warrnambool side to face Koroit.
Roosters coach Mat Buck said the club was thrilled to unveil Saunders – a player straight out of the AFL system.
“He is champing at the bit. He is ready to go and I think everyone else is looking forward to seeing him as well,” he said.
Warrnambool captain Sam Cowling will make his long-awaited return from a serious foot injury against Port Fairy.
Cowling joins recruit Jordan Foott as an inclusion for the Blues’ clash with Port Fairy at Reid Oval.
Blues coach John Cook said it was pleasing to have the strong-marking forward back.
“It is a pretty important moment considering he’s captain of the club,” he said.
“He sent out a fantastic message last week by playing at 12pm to make sure his body was prepared match-wise.”
Foott will slot into the Blues’ back six, helping fill the void of Tim O’Keeffe, who will play his first game of the year via the seconds.
“He is a great young bloke with huge character,” Cook said.
“The boys love him and he’s fitted in like country blokes fit in.”
The Seagulls have brought in youngsters Blake Rudland-Castles and Tyler Hetherington to replace injured duo Daniel Nicholson (leg) and Xavier McCartney (shoulder).
Former Camperdown utility Jahd Anderson will debut for Cobden.