06/02/2023

As we head towards the commencement of the Smithy's VFL 2023 season, we are pleased to announce five more players who have signed on with Sandringham Football Club for the year. 

Tyrell Lafituanai

Tyrell Lafituanai has played some quality footy as a young player in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). Still in his early 20's, he has shown plenty of impressive attributes and qualities over the pre-season to demonstrate he is capable at VFL level.

Sandringham Head Coach, Jake Batchelor, described Lafituanai as someone who "brings great power and evasiveness around the contest. He is still learning the game plan but we are excited by his raw ability and athleticism." 

We look forward to seeing what Lafituanai will bring in 2023. 

Fin Bayne

Fin Bayne returns in 2023, looking to play consistently in the Sandy VFL lineup. Although only playing two games for the Zebs last year, Bayne played some excellent local footy with Mt Eliza in 2022 and will be looking to build on that this season. He adds a level head, great experience and knowledge to the team and will be looking to take another step forward in 2023.

“Fin had plans to go back to local footy this year but we are really happy to have him back for the 2023 season. He brings great experience, leadership and will really complement the way we want to attack this year,” says Head Coach, Jake Batchelor.

Joseph Nowell

Joe Nowell returns to the Zebras for his second year. At 199cm tall, and still fresh out of the NAB League after playing for the Sandringham Dragons in 2019 and 2021, Nowell will be looking to continue to develop and gain as much VFL experience as possible in 2023. For a player of his size, he is flexible across multiple positions.

Nowell has already impressed Head Coach Jake Batchelor.

"Joe has come back bigger and fitter than last year. His running power and kicking skills makes him an extra midfielder for us”, says Batchelor.

Johnathan Haidon

Johnathan Haidon is the most experienced Zebra on our VFL list and will be looking to put a few injury riddled seasons behind him. Haidon, who goes by the nickname Bulldog, is another who is important for his experience and leadership at the level.

Batchelor spoke highly of Haidon, 

"He has a great ability to learn a new concept, and put it into play in match simulated training sessions. His last few years have been cruelled by injury so we are hoping he gets a full run at it.”

Isaac Wallace

Isaac Wallace has had experience with Collingwood at VFL level in past seasons and has been very impressive in training throughout pre-season. He will provide flexibility across multiple positions on the ground. 

Jake Batchelor describes Wallace as a player who will "bring a calm mind and hard body to us for the year". 

"With a great left foot kick and good contest ability, we see Isaac being able to roll between midfield and forward for us," says Batchelor.

Written by Nick Collins - Sandringham Football Club Media