by Ben Waterworth (Twitter: @bjwaterworth)
WHO was the best recruit in senior Division 2 footy in 2013?
A plethora of high quality players from other leagues descended on the EFL this season, making an immediate impact in their first year in the competition.
But who made the biggest impact? Who was the most influential?
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Tom Hill (North Ringwood) – To have immediate success in Division 2, the Saints needed a key forward. And what a key forward they landed in Hill. The 22-year-old, who was a Western Bulldogs rookie in 2012, finished with a competition-high 72 goals from 17 games. Hill booted five or more goals on nine occasions in 2013, including a bag of eight against Bayswater in Round 5. His strength and marking ability, as well as his deadly straight set shot for goal, made him near impossible to stop. He won North Ringwood’s Best and Fairest award and was also named at full forward in the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year.
Seb Henderson (Mulgrave) – It was never hard to miss Henderson at a Mulgrave game in 2013. Whether it was his blistering run out of defence or fiery blonde hair, the back pocket caught the eye of many Division 2 followers – and coaches. After spending the past five years with Oakleigh Chargers and Port Melbourne, Henderson returned to his home club to register a super consistent season. He was named in the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year, following 10 best player appearances from 17 games. Henderson won Mulgrave’s Best and Fairest award and polled nine votes in the league’s Best and Fairest count.
Nathan Muratore (Mooroolbark) – Not many Division 2 followers would have heard of Muratore before the 2013. Six months later, the boy from Gembrook is now one of the first-picked players in the Mustangs’ line-up. Muratore slotted in to a back pocket with aplomb down at Heights Reserve, playing all 21 games and being named in the best on nine occasions. His consistent season was rewarded with a place in the 30-man squad for the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year.
Colin Sanbrook (Donvale) – After five years away, Sanbrook returned to Donvale Reserve in 2013 – and with great success. The 31-year-old had one of his most consistent seasons in recent years, playing 15 games, booting 12 goals and being named in the best players on 11 occasions. His reward was a place in the 30-man squad for the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year. Sanbrook’s importance was highlighted in the Vales’ do-or-die game against Waverley Blues in Round 18, polling three votes from the umpires in his side’s 32-point win.
Daniel Rajab (Bayswater) – Any player who waltzes into the EFL and claims a Wright Medal in his debut season must be a contender for a recruit of the year! After crossing over from Northcote Park at the beginning of the season, Rajab produced a consistent home and away campaign. The midfielder played 17 games and booted 13 goals, catching the eye of the umpires along the way to claim the Division 2 League Best and Fairest medal. He was also named in the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year.
Carl Peterson (Doncaster East) – Any time an ex-AFL player arrives at a local footy club, they bring a wealth of experience and a unique aura. Peterson, a former Hawthorn player, brought both of those characteristics to Doncaster East, as well as plenty of goals and several nominations for Mark of the Year. The high-flying forward accumulated 38 goals from only 12 games, giving the Lions some much-needed spark inside the forward 50. Peterson was named at Centre Half Forward in the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year. Recently, he has been invited to train with St Kilda. Does another AFL experience beckon him?
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