Lara coach Brett Henderson is hopeful reigning West Coast Eagles WAFL best-and-fairest Tom Edwards-Baldwin will get a chance to play with some familiar faces in 2026 after choosing the GFNL outfit as his interchange club.
Henderson says Edwards-Baldwin made connections with a couple of current Cats when he joined Williamstown ahead of the COVID-impacted 2020 season, with Grovedale serving as his interchange club that year.
“Tommy came over to Williamstown four or five years ago, and then obviously we had COVID, and unfortunately had to pack up and go home.
“But he built some really strong relationships with Darby (Henderson), Daly Andrews, and those sorts of guys.
“So we’ve kept in touch, and he’s thrilled to be coming over to help us out.”
Edwards-Baldwin made his League debut for Subiaco in 2018, playing 25 games and kicking 26 goals in three seasons for the Lions.
He joined East Perth in 2021, where he made 21 appearances and slotted 17 goals across two seasons.
After a season in suburban football followed by a year playing in the Wheatbelt, Edwards-Baldwin linked up with the Eagles in 2025.
“We’re hopeful we’ll get him during their buys, et cetera,” Henderson said.
“But he’s also looking at perhaps playing a couple of extra games with us if things work out.”
Henderson confirmed Werribee-listed Daly Andrews will retain Lara as his interchange club in 2026.
Andrews is spending time overseas during the summer, which likely means the Cats will have access to him in the early part of the season.
“They’ll probably want him to get back up to speed before he gets his opportunity there,” Henderson said.
Lara has also signed former North Shore forward Cooper Langan, who is training with standalone VFL club Sandringham Zebras.
However, co-captain Aaron Stone has made the move up the highway with fellow Cat Connor Linehan-Cunningham.
“I understand his reasoning for it; he’s been there for a long time and hasn’t seen much success,” Henderson said of Stone’s departure.
“It’s just a bit of a shame that he’s perhaps picking this time to go because I think we’re getting on the launching pad.
“But I wish Aaron nothing but all the best, and he’s always welcome at Lara.”
Meanwhile, Leopold has welcomed back Charlie Gardiner and Logan Hockley from St Mary’s and Portarlington, respectively.
Gardiner won the Saints’ under-18 best and fairest award this year.
The Lions have also added Archie Eichler from Central Highlands club Buninyong.
And North Shore has added Dylan Bennett from Newtown & Chilwell.
Bennett played in two under-18 premierships with the Towners and was part of the team that finished runner-up in this year’s GFNL reserves grand final.
X: @krockfootball
