First-year Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson is excited by the arrival of key forward recruit Mitch Dodos at Elderslie Reserve.
The 20-year-old former Bendigo Pioneer arrives from perennial Goulburn Valley league finalists Kyabram, where he kicked 19 goals in 19 games last year.
Johnson says Dodos, who is studying at Deakin University and spent last year travelling home to play for the Bombers, was looking for a club to train with.
“We were more than happy to accommodate him and another mate of his,” Johnson said.
“After seeing him a few times, I thought, ‘Hang on. We’d better ask the question whether we’re going to be able to get him or be any chance to get his services’.
“He was open to a conversation, and then the more he trained, I think the more his mind comes around to potentially playing at the club.
“We’re probably a little bit light on with key position players, and he fits that bill perfectly. He’s 6’5” (195) and very athletic, so he’ll certainly be a dangerous player in our front half.
“And (he’s) pretty versatile if we need him to play in other positions.”
Johnson also revealed that GWS Giants VFL midfielder Perry Lewis-Smith had verbally agreed to have the Towners as his interchange club in 2025.
Lewis-Smith, who has previously played with 29 VFL games across four clubs – Port Melbourne, Northern Bullants, Casey, and Frankston – played under Johnson at Ovens and Murray club Yarrawonga, finishing runner-up in the Pigeons’ best-and-fairest.
“He’ll be spending the majority of his time playing VFL with the Giants, where he’s committed for a two-year period,” Johnson said.
“He was one of the premier midfielders in the Ovens and Murray competition.
“He’s fit and he’s a real professional. So even to have him, come in and train with us during the week, he’ll set some pretty high standards for our young group to follow.”
Johnson confirmed reigning best-and-fairest Braden Hocking and former Footscray VFL star Liam Nash will play on as the Eagles commence a new era following eight years under Damien McMahon.
“I think those two players were sitting back, allowing us to chase some other players before they recommitted – kind of like a selfless approach in that regard,” he said.
“But, to have them now formally agreed (to playing) will definitely bring that experience.
“‘Hock’ won the best and fairest last year. He’s obviously one of the best key defenders in the competition.
“And Nash only played about six games of footy last year. So, his experience and also his midfield craft and skill will be important to us as well.”
Newtown & Chilwell will play three practice matches, starting with Geelong Amateur at Deakin University on Friday night, before hosting St Joseph’s on April 5 in the first match of the new GFNL season.
“We’ve had a couple of intraclub match sims for the last three weeks, and I’ve been really impressed by the way the players have gone about it,” Johnson said.
“But you never know how you’re going until you come up against an opposition.
“They are in a league below us, but they’re a strong team, full of a lot of experience.
“So, just to be able to play an opposition and see how our sort of game plan and method is coming together will be a good test for us.”
Meanwhile, Lara has unveiled two more signings as it prepares for its first practice match against Williamstown CYMS on Saturday.
The Cats have added Jai Grayling from Sunraysia League club Red Cliffs and Stanley Brentnall from Uni Blues in the VAFA.
Grayling is the cousin of Lara premiership player Jace Kelly and nephew of club icon Peter Kelly.
The Cats also have practice matches against Melton Centrals and Point Cook before travelling to St Albans in Round 1 on April 12.
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