One of the GDFNL’s most potent midfields has added another “weapon”, with Werribee Centrals regaining Connor Linehan-Cunningham.
Linehan-Cunningham has spent the past four seasons with Lara, winning the GFNL Rookie of the Year award in 2022.
However, he didn’t play in 2025 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the penultimate round of last year.
Linehan-Cunningham returns to Galvin Park as a one-point player, having played juniors with Centrals, along with 26 senior games.
“We’ve always had conversations with him, obviously, with his older brother, Bryce, playing for us,” coach Rhyce Prismall said.
“We haven’t put too much pressure on him, but the time was right now with him coming off an injury.
“I floated the idea of coming back to get some continuity in his game and regain some confidence in his body.
“Where else would you rather be but home with your family and somewhere he could be more comfortable?
“We’re excited; I think he’s relieved to have the decision done.”
After spending the 2024 pre-season with Geelong’s VFL squad, Linehan-Cunningham averaged 22.1 disposals, of which 12.9 were contested, 7.6 tackles, and 6.8 clearances for Lara before getting injured.
“Before he left us, he was already a premier midfielder,” Prismall said.
“We’ve already got the likes of (Brad) Carlton, (Michael) Culliver and (Tyler) Crennan, (and) we’ve got the league’s best ruckman in Paddy Daly.
“So we think someone like Connor just goes in there and adds another weapon, and those other boys can have a different role at times.
“Although he’s not a 6’10 full-forward, people like that can just dominate a game.
“We’re really hoping that he takes us to that next level, that we can obviously improve on this year.”
Prismall did confirm that Linehan-Cunningham will spend around a month overseas next year to attend a friend’s wedding.
After falling at the semi-final stage in 2024, Werribee Centrals finished eighth this year with seven wins and a draw.
Linehan-Cunningham isn’t the first new signing announced by a GDFNL club for next year.
Winchelsea has confirmed the return of Adam Walsh after one season at Bellarine club Ocean Grove.
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