Pre-Season Update

Joint 2017 FD Book Medallists Nathan Blee and Julian Ameduri headline recent re-signings for the upcoming 2019 WAFL Season. Nathan has re-signed for 1 year, while Julian has extended through to the end of the 2020. Reserves Grand Final Captain, Nathan Eaton, has also put pen to paper for the next 2 seasons as he presses his case to become a regular league footballer. 

Once again the club has been very active on the recruiting front. In addition to the recent announcements of Angus Scott and Rohan Kerr the club has added some experienced and exciting players in what shapes as an intriguing season ahead. 

27-year-old Joel Houghton joins the clubs after recent stints with Collie and Halls Head in the country leagues. At 194cm & 94kg the former Dockers listed key forward brings some much needed experience and size to our forward line. Most recently in the WAFL system with Swan Districts, Joel is excited about the opportunity for a fresh start and making an immediate impact for the club.

Former West Perth forward Matthew Johnson joins the club after playing out in Gingin during the 2018 season. The 24-year-old speedster’s debut game in 2013 still burns in the minds of some of the Royals faithful where he kicked 6 goals against East Perth. We’re hoping that he can repay the favour while wearing the Blue and Black after committing to the club until the end of 2020.  

Ex Subiaco pair Jarrhan Jacky and Nick Hay also join the club after playing community footy in 2018. 29-year-old Jacky has a wealth of experience from his time with the Adelaide Crows, as well as time with Swan Districts and Subiaco. His ball use and the way he reads the game will excite. While 26-year-old Hay returns to the WAFL after playing with Scarborough in 2018. The 192cm, 99kg key position player can play at both ends of the ground and has impressed with his strength and competitiveness so far.

After being delisted by West Coast at the end of the AFL Season exciting Ruckman Tony Olango has also join the Royals for the next 2 years. While it was a frustrating year for Tony due to injury he thoroughly enjoyed his time down at East Perth, made some great friendships and had no hesitation in committing to being part of the club as he looks to get a good run on the park in 2019.

With close to 100 players vying for spots in our senior group for 2019, the sessions have been tough and the standard has been high. Recently graduated Colts players in

Louis Miller and Jacob Msando have both shown that could push for some senior opportunities in 2019, as do regular Reserves players in Christian Ameduri and Harley Stack, while key position players Sam Bevan and Marcus Ruggerio have taken great strides as they return to the WAFL system. Jackson Ramsay hasn’t missed a beat since missing most of the 2018 season after ACL surgery and shapes as a new recruit for the start of the season. 

Veterans Pat McGinnity, Kyle Anderson, Nathan Blee and Sharrod Wellingham have all come back well straight into full training and along with players like Tom Gorter, Shayne Hille, Ben Miller, Taylor North and Stan Wright continue to set the standard on track. 

Julian Ameduri, Will Maginness, Callum Hart, Lewis Wilson and Mitch Fraser head the group of players currently in rehab. Apart from Mitch, who looks like he’ll miss most of the season after an ACL repair, the rest of the group look at being available for the start of the WAFL Season.

With only 4 sessions left for the year before the Christmas break, the whole group is pushing hard with some tough list decisions on players to be made very soon.