Joe McDonald’s one-year stint in the GFNL has ended, with the former Ocean Grove captain returning to Ray Menzies Oval.
McDonald spent this year with Newtown & Chilwell, making 15 appearances for the Eagles and playing alongside good mate Zach Walter, who has since returned to the Grubbers’ archrival Barwon Heads.
Coach Dave Farrell says McDonald’s influence around the club was sorely missed during 2024, as Ocean Grove managed just four wins for the season.
“Footy clubs and coaches, in particular, talk about how important it is to get the right people to your club,” he said.
“We certainly missed him as a person around the club.
“It was great to see him at social events, and post-match, he was there a number of times with the way the fixtures worked.
“But, it’s not the same as having someone of his calibre there full time.
“We’re really excited about what he does on the field, but he does so much more than that.”
“He’s really engaged with the junior part of the club, (and) he’s super connected with our netball group as well.”
McDonald won’t be returning home alone, with former junior Rhys Devilin also moving from Newtown & Chilwell after a seven-year stint at Elderslie Reserve that included 18 senior games.
“His brother (Luke) returned last year, and he graduates from our under-18 program into senior footy,” Farrell said.
“While they’re different players at different stages of their careers, it’s exciting for them to be part of the same program.
“We see Rhys as not a fully-refined product yet – he’s certainly aware there’s still some development in him.
“But he’s got some quality GFL senior experience behind him at this stage, and we think he can have a really big impact in our group as well.”
X: @krockfootball
