Less than a week since the final siren sounded on the 2026 GFNL season, semi-finalists Newtown & Chilwell have landed two early recruiting blows.
The Eagles have finally landed former West Coast and GWS player Jarrod Brander, who has linked to Elderslie Reserve for the past two off-seasons, while also adding Geelong VFL-listed train-on Eddie Weeks.
Brander, 27, played 22 matches for West Coast across four seasons before making five appearances with the Giants in 2022.
Since being delisted by GWS, he’s played with Sunraysia league club Wentworth and in the Northern Territory with Southern Districts.
“We’re incredibly excited to have someone of Jarrod’s experience, professionalism and football ability joining our playing group,” a statement on Newtown & Chilwell’s Facebook page said.
“His experience at the elite level will be invaluable to our young group, both on and off the field, and we’re looking forward to seeing Jarrod make his mark in the red and black in 2027.”
South Australian Weeks, who played underage football with SANFL clubs Norwood and Sturt, was one of the first signings by fledgling Bellarine club Surf Coast.
However, he managed only seven matches with the Suns before an injury ended his year mid-season.
“A tall, intercepting ball user off half back, Eddie brings plenty of talent and an exciting game style and is eager to learn, develop and get stuck into life at the Eagles under our coaching group,” the club said.
X: @krockfootball
