Ocean Grove will inject more than 200 games of SANFL experience into its lineup next year after signing Luke Jarrad.
Jarrad played 229 games, featured in two premierships with Woodville-West Torrens and represented the SANFL during a 12-year career in Adelaide.
He returned to Victoria in 2017, playing 138 games with Essendon and District club Strathmore, winning premierships in 2022 and 2025.
Despite recently turning 42, Jarrad exemplifies the idea that “age is just a number” after running yesterday’s Melbourne Marathon.
“I know he puts a hell of a lot of work into his fitness,” Grubbers coach Dave Farrell said.
“He works as a firefighter, so around his shifts, he looks after his body really well.
“He completed the Melbourne Marathon yesterday and churned out a sub-three-hour time, which, only a couple of weeks after a senior premiership at the level he’s been at, speaks to that.”
Jarrad, who finished third in Strathmore’s best-and-fairest, is no stranger to Ray Menzies Oval.
He spent time with the Grubbers’ senior squad during 2025, and his son Harrison is part of the club’s under-14 program.
“He trained with us for a little bit throughout the year, did a good part of pre-season last year when he moved to the area, and stood out immediately from an experience perspective,” Farrell said.
“His leadership, the way he communicates, but what’s extra special is the way he kicks the footy.
“I haven’t seen anyone do it at our level like that before. So I’m really excited to get him in.
“I think he’s excited about settling in a bit more into the Ocean Grove life.”
The arrival of Jarrad, coupled with the addition of Ryan Bongart from Ballan and the return of Ollie Monteith, will help offset several departures.
Among those playing elsewhere next year are captain Cam Fowler, who has returned to GFNL club Newtown & Chilwell, with talented big Kye Annand and reigning best-and-fairest Jamison Hallam joining South Barwon.
“(It’s) disappointing to see some guys move out of the program that have put a lot into it over the last couple of years.
“But based on the six confirmed departures at the moment, I think they’ve played a combined total of less than 50 games in the last three years.
“So, you sit there and you go, it’s exciting for the next crop coming through and to get some games into them.
“But we’re also really bullish about some recruiting opportunities in front of us over the next few weeks as well.”
Geelong premiership player Gary Rohan, who spent 2025 with Hampden league club Port Fairy, and reigning GDFNL leading goalkicker Andrew Boseley, who played under Farrell at South Barwon, have been linked with moves to Ocean Grove.
However, Farrell wouldn’t be drawn on speculation of that duo beefing up the Grubbers’ forward line next year.
X: @krockfootball
