WODONGA has lured North Albury forward Ricky Whitehead to the John Flower Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whitehead has strong links to the Bulldogs with his father, Paul, a former player and his uncle, Bob, lining up at centre half-forward in the club’s 1967 and 1969 premierships.
A former Horsham league medallist, Whitehead enjoyed a hot start to the season with the Hoppers, kicking five bags of five or more in the first seven weeks, including a haul of eight against Wangaratta in round six.
Whitehead, who was emergency for the Ovens and Murray interleague team in May, finished with 41 goals as a key forward this season but Bulldogs coach Dean Harding plans to use his latest signing in the midfield.
“We are really pleased that Rick has decided he wants to cross over to Wodonga,” he said.
“We see Rick as a valuable midfielder who can also hit the scoreboard.
“He is really keen to get in and assist us with the development of our young group and this will form part of his role at the kennel.”
Whitehead’s signing came as Morris medallist Matt Seiter won his second straight Bulldogs best and fairest on Saturday night.
The Wodonga workhorse edged out Josh Hicks for the top club honour, less than a fortnight after tying with Yarrawonga’s Tyler Bonat for the league best and fairest.
Rebekah Ohlin pipped Sarah Thomas for the Bulldogs’ A grade honour.
At North Albury, Dom Brew won the Keith Shea Medal as the Hoppers’ best and fairest in a stunning debut season at Bunton Park.
Brew, who joined the Hoppers from Albury this season, pipped club champion Dan Leslie and pocket rocket Ben Fulford for the award.
After struggling for opportunity at senior level with the Tigers, the rugged left-footer played every match for the Hoppers this season and captained the Ovens and Murray under-19 interleague side.
“It means a lot, I was going to give up footy last year because I was playing twos a lot at Albury,” he said.
“North Albury just gave me an opportunity and I tried to not let them down. I’m really indebted to the club.”
Ovens and Murray rising star winner and Toni Wilson Medal runner-up Nakita Singe claimed the Hoppers’ A grade best and fairest.
Meanwhile, Matt Grossman comfortably won Wangaratta’s best and fairest.
Michael Newton finished runner-up despite just playing nine matches in an injury-interrupted season.
Hannah Grady won the Magpies’ A Grade best and fairest.