A proven VFL performer, a Morrish Medal winner and a famous Essendon name are among the Bombers final signings for the VFL season.
The Club has secured the last of its 26 signatures for the 2017 season, with 15 new faces on the Essendon list.
Ozgur Uysal headlines the latest recruits. The 24 year old joins the Club after a distinguished career with Coburg where he established himself as one of the best ball winners in the competition.
“Oz has come to our program after playing 60 games with Coburg Football Club where he proved himself to be one of the top VFL midfielders,” VFL Operations Manager Ash Brown said.
“He’s been named in the VFL Team of the Year on two occasions and will add to our midfield depth.”
The midfield stocks received a further boost with the acquisition of former Williamstown player, Alex Carr.
The 22 year old won the TAC Cup’s top individual honour, the Morrish Medal, in 2014 when he was playing with Gippsland.
He was also invited to the Draft Combine that year.
“He has come to Essendon seeking new opportunities after two seasons at Williamstown Football Club,” Brown said.
“We believe he has great potential and upside to his game.
“Alex will also add to our midfield depth but he will also look to spend time forward where his ball winning ability will be of great value.”
The ‘Madden’ name also returns to the Bombers with Joel, the son of Justin and nephew of Simon, joining the Club.
The Bombers have kept a close eye on Joel’s development in recent seasons and he’s seen as a strongly built key forward option.
“He has worked extremely hard to win a place on the list and we have been pleased with his continual development,” Brown said.
Joel Ottavi adds to the big man options. The developing key forward joins the Club from Buninyong in country Victoria.
“While still raw Joel can be played as a 23rd player under VFL Rules and at 199cm is a prospect that will take time to develop at VFL Level,” Brown said.
The Bombers have two practice matches remaining before they take on Sandringham in the season opener on April 15.
Brown said the Club is pleased with the depth it will have at its disposal.
“We feel we are particularly strong with our midfield talent that can also play a range of roles, if required, forward and back,” he said.
“Apart from significant injuries to Ben Fennell and Sam Hooper the list is in reasonable shape as we begin to finalise preparations leading into round one.”
VFL Playing List
James Ferry – Gisborne (Vic)/Calder U18/Macedon (Vic)
Alex Boyse –St Bernards (VAFA)/Essendon Doutta Stars
Isaac Muller - North Albury/Murray U18/Bundoora (Vic)
Sam Hooper - Nth Ballarat U18/North Ballarat (VFL)
Nick O’Brien - Essendon/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)
Daniel Younan - Western U18/Coburg (VFL)
James Peters - Aberfeldie (Vic)/Calder U18
Nick Hind - East Point (Vic)/Keilor (Vic)
Ben Dobson - Koroit/St Marys (GFL)
Aaron Heppell - Gippsland U18/Strathmore (Vic)/Leongatha (Vic)
Ben Fennell - Collingwood (VFL)/Montmorency (Vic)
Wilson Berry - Western U18/Aberfeldie (Vic)
Michael Luxford - Geelong (AFL)/South Barwon (Vic)
Matt Darby - Riddell (Vic)/Avondale Heights (Vic)
Charles Lill - Mt Lawley (WA)/Essendon Doutta Stars (Vic)
Ozgur Uysal - Greenvale/Calder U18/Coburg (VFL)
Kieran Strachan - South Bendigo (Vic)
Eamon Gilbert - Northern Blues (VFL)/Eltham (Vic)/Avondale Heights (Vic)
Eamonn Ogden - Bendigo U18/Kyabram (Vic)/Keilor (Vic)
Alex Marklew - Murray U18/Wangaratta Rovers/Essendon Doutta Stars (Vic)
Alex Carr - Maffra (Vic)/Gippsland U18/Williamstown (VFL)
Jock Cornell - NSW Rams U18/Geelong
Joel Ottavi - Buningyong (Vic)/Keilor (Vic)
Joel Madden - Aberfeldie (Vic)/Calder U18/Coburg (VFL)
Nash Holmes - Sale (Vic)/Gippsland U/18/Keilor (Vic)
Bruno Laguda - Calder U18/Essendon Doutta Stars (Vic)
