Early Picola District Football League premiership favourite — according to the McPherson Media Group's Football Netball Magazine tipsters at least — Katamatite has added another former North Melbourne player to its list in the form of Jamie Macmillan.
Macmillan, 29, comes straight from the AFL system to join Sam Wright and Joel Tippett at Katamatite Recreation Reserve following 167 games for the Kangaroos across a decade.
“Like always, we've looked to bring quality people to our club and Jamie fits that mould,” Katamatite coach Jedd Wright said.
“He's good mates with Joel and Sammy and he wants to have a kick with them this season.
“He played in our practice match against Congupna and is already fitting in well.”
As football operations manager at Arden St, Macmillan may not be available for the entire season — but Wright is expecting to see plenty of him.
“He's straight from the system and, to be honest, I think he had more AFL footy in him if he wanted to try and go elsewhere,” Wright said.
“But he's happy with his role at North and to come and play with us when he can.
“Whenever you bring in guys like that, who have been at the highest level, everyone around them learns so much by just watching them train and play.”
The Tigers are hoping their ex-AFL trio can bring them success off the field as well by helping attract and nurture more juniors at the club.
“Sam's already working closely with the thirds and, like any club, we're always looking for more players to jump on board,” Wright said.
“Whether kids have missed out at one of the Shepparton clubs or are looking to learn their craft under people who have done it at the highest level, Katamatite's the place to be.
“We're really looking forward to a big year being our 125th year and the 20th reunion of our last senior flag.”
Also suiting up in the region is ex-Port Adelaide footballer Aidyn Johnson.
The Moama product, 23, has signed in the Goulburn Valley League with Echuca after spending last season with Sturt in the SANFL.
“I'm really excited to be coming back to town,” he told the Riverine Herald.
“It's a fantastic opportunity for me to come back to Victoria, to set myself up for the next phase of my life and to be back playing football with a lot of my mates at a great club.
“I know so many of the people around this club, and I have terrific relationships with them, so this was such a great fit for me.”
Johnson played 11 games for the Power between 2017 and 2019.
“Aidyn is a super talent,” Echuca co-coach Andrew Walker said.
“He's only just out of the AFL system. He's got the passion to one day get back into the system, but this year he is through and through a Murray Bomber and we are thrilled to have him.”
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