Kyabram product Brett Deledio has joined Girgarre for the remainder of the 2021 campaign, marking his return to football in the Goulburn Valley.
The 34-year-old, who amassed 275 games for Richmond and Greater Western Sydney during his stellar 14-year career, will link up with family members at the Kangaroos.
Deledio's father Wayne is assistant coach, his brother Matt plays seniors, his sister Sheridan suits up in A-grade netball, while his brother-in-law, Billy Barnes, is the Roos’ playing coach.
The move — which had been on the cards since Wayne joined Barnes in the coaching ranks — was realised last week when his clearance was approved on May 10.
Barnes said the club could not wait to welcome the talented utility into the fold.
“Absolutely. The club is rapt to have Brett on board,” Barnes said.
“It has always been on the cards. The challenge was working around his media commitments.
“We don't have a date yet (when his first game will be). The rolling fixture in the AFL makes it tricky, but we should see a lot more of him later in the season.
The Deledio name has been synonymous with Girgarre for more than 20 years, stretching back to when Wayne's brother Ron coached the senior outfit.
“It's going to be a special moment for the family when he does play,” Barnes said.
“Even though Sheridan plays A-grade netball, the two being at the same club is special. They are a very close-knit family.
“I know that Brett is super excited to come back.”
Deledio brings a truckload of experience to the Kangaroos.
After heading to Richmond via pick one in the 2004 National Draft, Deledio became a fan-favourite at Tigerland.
Across his 243 games at Punt Road, Deledio chalked up two best-and-fairest awards and was a two-time All-Australian.
“(Him playing) is going to play a huge role on the community,” Barnes said.
“He's a fantastic bloke. He's still a country kid at heart and he will have a lot of common interests with the players.
“Once we told the playing group, the excitement grew straight away. Not only is it exciting for the supporters, but also for the juniors and senior footballers. It will be special for them to play alongside him.
“I'm sure some of the juniors would have grown up barracking for him and to meet him will be a dream come true.”
Deledio's shift to Girgarre will grow the list of former AFL players plying their trade in the KDL.
Daniel Harris, Jared Brennan and Anthony Franchina have appeared at numerous times this season, while Shane Crawford helped Ardmona clinch its first win in six years earlier this month.
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