Ruckmen in the Ellinbank and District Football Netball League, beware.
Yarragon recently announced they've landed one of the biggest fish of Gippsland football's off-season in former AFL giant Braydon Preuss.
Preuss, who was earlier this year delisted by GWS following a nine-year stint at the sport's highest level, was one of the most sought after players among local clubs after returning to his home at Nar Nar Goon.
With multiple clubs locally bidding for the 207cm and 118kg goliath's services the Panthers emerged as the winners in the end as they hunt for a first finals appearance in the EDFNL since moving to the league in 2019.
Preuss played 28 games across three clubs in North Melbourne, Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney after making his debut in 2017.
He was generally seen as a more than capable ruck who could have played plenty more, if not for a string of misfortunes at each of his clubs.
At both North Melbourne and Melbourne he ended up stuck behind two of the league's best ruckmen in Todd Goldstein and Max Gawn respectively.
His move to the Giants was seen as a positive one that would allow him to command the number one ruck role before a series of injuries and suspensions ultimately saw him depart the club after just 10 games at senior level in 2022.
Preuss will no doubt prove to be an intimidating prospect for opposition rucks next year based on his sheer size alone and has shown a willingness to throw that weight around.
To those jumping against him in the first centre bounce of the year, good luck.
Warragul also recently announced their own former-AFL recruit in ex-Western Bulldogs and Carlton player Will Hayes.
A mature age midfielder, Hayes played 13 games across his four year career in the AFL after earning a spot in the league following several strong seasons in the VFL.
The Gulls will be hoping Hayes can help propel them to a first finals series since 2016.
Football
Preuss the Panther
Nov 19 2024
1 min read
Subscribe to The Warragul and Drouin Gazette to read the full story.