Noble Park has been buoyed by the dedication of a former VFL duo following the re-signing of its two largest stars.
The Bulls have secured state league pair Bailey Lambert and Luke Nelson full-time for 2024 because the membership seems to be to rebound within the Japanese league’s Premier Division subsequent season after lacking the finals this yr.
The duo had been aligned with Noble throughout their VFL stays, with midfielder/ahead Lambert that includes within the membership’s 2022 premiership whereas on Frankston’s checklist, following a cease at Richmond from 2018 to ‘19. Nelson plied his commerce at Coburg the place he completed runner-up for one of the best and fairest this yr.
Noble Park senior coach Steve Hughes mentioned Lambert and Nelson had known as time on their respective state league stints, and declared their addition would elevate requirements on the observe.
“Sooner or later you do attain the tip of your VFL journey – it takes quite a lot of your time up,” Hughes mentioned.
“You attain the tip of your tether a bit of bit and we’ve had a lot of VFL gamers aligned to our membership and each few years it form of pays you again a bit of bit as a result of you realize you’re going to get your high-quality, skilled gamers who’re going to set good coaching requirements once they do come again.
“Bailey and Luke will drive these requirements for us in spades, I believe.”
Their dedication follows the re-signing of star pair Kyle Martin and Jackson Sketcher.
Hughes mentioned Sketcher had already begun coaching following his Sir Gilbert Chandler Medal and membership champion awards this season, with the league’s prime honour marking the primary senior finest and fairest of his profession.
“Jackson’s already began a program and working – he’s ultra-professional … now he must again it up and that’s his subsequent problem and that’s the best way he operates,” Hughes mentioned.
“He’s going to set himself up for an enormous 2024, I believe.”
Martin is ready to return after an ACL injury sidelined the nine-time membership finest and fairest for the season, however Hughes mentioned he wouldn’t be rushed again.
“We’ll see how Kyle goes – we’ll take care of him … he’s doing all the pieces in his energy to be there Spherical 1, but when he’s not, then that’s high quality too,” he mentioned.
“We’re very excited to get him again – he’s clearly the guts and soul of our footy membership.”
In the meantime, premiership pair Jake Beneficial properties and Jack Francis have departed.
Beneficial properties has joined Outer East membership Officer to play alongside his brother, whereas swingman Francis has returned to Southern outfit Chelsea after two seasons with the Bulls.
“‘Gainsy’, what a servant of our footy membership … he performed centre half-back, ruck, ahead, very sturdy and he’s a premiership participant and goes with our well-wishes,” Hughes mentioned.
“We’ll clearly miss (Francis), however it was his choice to return and play with some mates.
“You’re going to show over a couple of annually, however that’s footy.”
Initially printed as EFNL 2023: Bailey Lambert, Luke Nelson commit to Noble Park full-time
