AFL GUNS TO PLAY IN THE AMATEURS

The pre-season jostling for players will most likely continue until the week before round 1 next season but that hasn’t stopped some clubs announcing some of their big name recruits early. 
The VAFA has a proud tradition of AFL players who feel they still have more to give on the field, either returning to their alumni or junior club for a last roll of the dice and a chance to play with their mates. 
Next year will be no different with the announcements in the past few weeks of AFL players Lindsay Gilbee (University Blues), Heath Black (Mazenod), Trent Croad (De La Salle) the big names so far whilst rumours continue to circulate that there might be more announcements in the coming months. 
University Blues won the race to sign silky skilled Gilbee and the former Western Bulldog is looking forward to taking the Blues back to the Premier Section finals next season, as well as playing in the highly anticipated University derbys now that Blacks are back in Premier. 
Heath Black is a former student at Mazenod College and will pull on the black, blue and white stripes of Mazenod Old Collegians and combine playing with a leadership and development program role. 
Last week on SEN’s Morning Glory, Trent Croad confirmed that he would be returning to the football field for the first time since the 2008 Grand Final when he lines up for De La Salle at Waverley Park next year.  
The drawing power of the VAFA for former elite players to join the competition for the privilege of playing with their mates has again shown its hand. 
The signings should also help the respective clubs gain sponsorship, increase attendances and most importantly continue to lift the standard of football played in the VAFA. 
We look forward to seeing who else might bob up on a list in for the opening rounds next year and play in the Amateurs for the love of the game.