Corio has landed one of the GDFNL’s recruits of the pre-season with the signing of prolific suburban Melbourne forward Justin van Unen.
The Devils have confirmed to K rock Football that Van Unen, who has kicked over 1000 goals in his journeyman career, has signed at All-In-One Services Oval.
Coach Joel Bennett says the connection with new assistant coach Jarrod Bayliss helped land the 34-year-old.
Bayliss and fellow recruits Chris Moreland and Russell Cowan played in a premiership with Van Unen at Outer East League premier Powelltown in 2023.
“‘Jugga’ a bit of a guru in what he knows,” Bennett said of Bayliss.
“He’s been up around the Melbourne suburbs his whole career, and it’s another connection of his that we’ve been able to tap into.
“Leadership’s something that we’ve highlighted as the biggest area for improvement.
“So, to tap to get ‘Morlo’, ‘Jugga’, Russ Cowan, and now Justin on board, it’s something we’re pretty excited about, to be honest.”
Van Unen has played Talent League with Oakleigh Chargers, made three appearances at VFL level for Essendon, was on the reality TV show The Recruit, and represented Vic Country and Vic Metro.
He also earned interleague selection with the Mornington Peninsula, Eastern, and Southern leagues.
Van Unen, who has signed with East Keilor for this year, played with Kilsyth in Division 4 of the Eastern League in 2024, kicking 21 goals in 13 games.
He has twice kicked a century of goals in a season – with Rye (121) in 2012 and Mt Eliza (103) in 2015.
“No matter who we come up against, he’s going to take a lot of opposition attention,” Bennett said.
“He’s a big boy, so opposition fullbacks will have their work cut out for them.
“And that leadership he’ll provide ahead of the footy for us, helping set the boys up, and being that key focal point for us is something we’ve been crying out for.”
Adding Moreland and Cowan to a midfield mix that already includes Bennett and fellow Whitley medalist, Matt James is a prospect that has the Corio mentor keen for the new season.
“It’s going to give us some great headaches… we’ll just have to find the right mix,” Bennett said.
“If one of us sort of four are getting pushed forward at any stage, you know, along with Justin and Destyn (Burns), we’re going to create some headaches up forward too, we think.
“It’s certainly nice to have a few weapons at our disposal.”
There will also be competition for the No.1 ruck mantle at Corio, with Jack Green and Aaron Taylor both impressing in pre-season.
“(Jack) had a bit of an up-and-down year last year, where I think he ended up playing 12 games, but a few of those he was injured as well,” Bennett said.
“Aaron Taylor has been around the club for a few years, and I have never seen as fit.
“He’s probably one that, with his age and everything, you probably thought his best footy was behind him.
“But to his credit, he probably has lost 15 kilos.”
Corio hosts Anakie in Round 1.
X: @krockfootball
