After the disappointment of not being taken by a club during the 2024 AFL Draft, Oliver Warburton has moved on swiftly and joined Carlton’s VFL side, according to Code Sports, for the upcoming season.
The young defender-midfielder has previous VFL experience having played for Collingwood twice during his draft year — averaging 13.5 disposals a match.
Warburton represented Victoria Country during the 2024 Under-18 National Championships and demonstrated his talent, averaging 18.5 touches at 82 per cent efficiency.
At Coates Talent League level, Warburton was even more prolific, averaging 25.9 possessions, 3.6 rebound 50s and three inside 50s a match for Murray Bushrangers.
Warburton joins Seymour’s Riley Mason and Kyabram’s Anthony Depasquale as fresh additions to the VFL for 2025.
Mason — a 197cm key forward — signed for Collingwood’s VFL side in late 2024.
After securing the Goulburn Valley League’s leading goal-kicker award last season, Mason had VFL suitors lining up to sign him.
He was previously at Coburg in 2022, but never featured on the park.
Depasquale, who finished second in the Goulburn Valley League’s leading goal-kicker award in 2024, has joined reigning premier Werribee.
Closer to home in Murray Football League, Moama has signed versatile key position player Grant Gallus.
The flexible utility is currently playing for St Mary’s in Northern Territory Football League.
Gallus has plenty of experience in Murray Football League, having played juniors and nine years of seniors for Numurkah.
In Picola District Football League, Strathmerton has signed former Carlton player Ryan Jackson for 2025.
Jackson played nine AFL games for the Blues before finding success in the WAFL, VFL and Melbourne’s top metropolitan leagues.
Shepparton United’s Ed Adams has left the Demons to join Grovedale in Geelong Football Netball League.
