OFFSEASON OBSERVATIONS: OCTOBER 4TH
Catch-up on the latest and biggest offseason news from across the Western Football Netball League.
NEWPORT’S STAR RECRUIT
In a huge coup Newport has secured the signature of three-time AFL premiership player Bachar Houli for next season as the Panthers make the jump from Division 2 to the TIV Division 1 competition. Houli, 36, played the majority of his junior football in the WFNL with Spotswood before being selected by Essendon in the 2006 National Draft at pick 42. He played 26 games for the Bombers before crossing to Richmond where he became a regular at AFL level and was a key part of the Tigers as they won three premierships in four years. Houli retired after the 2021 season having tallied 206 games at Richmond and 232 games overall. Despite a three-year break from playing, Houli’s return to the field and experience will be massive for Newport both on and off the field.
COACH APPOINTMENTS
Just days before revealing Bachar Houli had signed, Newport announced their new senior coach with Ali Hamad appointed as Rodney Van Reit’s replacement for the 2025 season. Hamad joins the Panthers after spending the past 18 months as co-coach of Essendon and District premier division club East Keilor. His coaching experience also includes stints with the Western Jets and Spotswood.
Just a couple of days prior to Newport’s announcement Sunshine revealed the permanent appointment of Guy Barbuto as senior coach for 2025 and 2026. After taking over from Ben Chapman late in the 2024 home and away season and leading the Kangaroos to the Division 2 premiership, Barbuto in his second year at the club will now lead them in their return to the top division.
Earlier in September Spotswood confirmed their replacement for Tom German with 2024 assistant Steve O’Bryan appointed to the role for the next two seasons. O’Bryan previously coached Pakenham and Kilcunda Bass, and after coming out of retirement to play seven games this season, he says he won’t pull on the boots again next year with his focus firmly on guiding the Woodsmen back to finals for the first time since 2019.
Also, in September Point Cook announced the appointment of Saade Ghazi as the club’s senior coach for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The Williamstown legend and VFL J.J Liston Trophy winner will embark on his second coaching stint in the WFNL after leading Altona for three years from 2016-2019. Ghazi most recently coached Northern Football Netball League club Greensborough in 2022 and 2023. He took a break from coaching this year before committing to Point Cook following the departure of Clay Smith.
Meanwhile, Tarneit has enlisted Max de Groot to lead its senior team. The experienced mentor will take up the post after coaching the club’s Reserves this year, filling the void left by Vinnie Turcinovich departing. Following a tough season on the field, de Groot will aim to build the club into a more competitive outfit in 2025.
PARKSIDE & POINT COOK CENTRALS ADD VFL EXPERIENCE
After missing out on finals in their first season back in TIV Division 1, Parkside has wasted no time re-signing the majority of this year’s squad while also strengthening their list ahead of next season. Among their recruits so far is Bruno Laguda who was a standout for EDFL club East Keilor this year after committing to Cougars fulltime following several years and 37 games for Essendon’s VFL team. The gun onballer is a quality addition to an already strong midfield. The club has also announced the return of 2023 Division 2 premiership players Max Naughton and Aaron Gauci after both elected to have a year off in 2024.
Point Cook Centrals have kicked off their offseason signings by welcoming Thomas Rowland who played six VFL games for Coburg this season. Rowland started out at North Foostcray and Altona Juniors before playing under 18s with the Vikings and Western Jets. His home for the past two seasons was VAFA club Old Trinity while the best of his VFL appearances this year was a 23-possession game against big improvers Frankston. He brings good size and versatility to the Sharks. He has been joined by Old Trinty teammate Kyan Upsall, also a development player at Coburg this year having relocated from Sydney where he played with Pennant Hills, the same club as Hoppers Crossing premiership pair Harry Maguire and Mitch Kunigiskis.