BRENDAN LINES
IN the opening stanza of the 2021 season, the latest crop of RFL recruits have made a mark at their new clubs – a slow build for some, an immediate impact for others.
Former West Adelaide player Jack Agostino comes to Renmark as arguably its top recruit.
The former Renmark junior’s match-winning performances came at zero cost to the Rovers’ allocation of player points.
The 24-year-old’s inclusion in Renmark’s half-back line alongside Matt Woolford has created a formidable pairing, helping the Rovers to dominant inside 50 counts against Berri (58-34) and Loxton (45-26).
Before being sidelined with concussion against Waikerie in round, Agostino’s individual prowess was on full display against Berri in round four, when he racked up 46 possessions and two goals.
Up forward, the Rovers also secured the services of Tom Charlton, who came across from the North Eastern Football League and has been described by Renmark coach Josh Vater as a welcome addition.
“He’s new to the club, new to the area and we’re really happy with him,” Vater said.
“He’s a teacher that’s just moved up. He has… presented well up forward, so it’s worked out well.”
Charlton sits second on the RFL A grade leading goalkickers tally with 13 after six rounds.
Against Loxton most recently, he accumulated 32 possessions around the midfield and attacking 50, topped off with four goals, and was influential in handing the Tigers their first defeat of 2021.
Waikerie’s Brendon Moon – recruited with Scott Mumford from Gumeracha in the Hills Football League – had an immediate effect in the Magpies’ line up with four goals against Berri in round one.
Moon has been a consistent performer, stepping up in a season marred by injuries for his club.
The 2019 Gumeracha premiership player was influential (23 possessions, two goals) in the Magpies’ 47-point win over reigning premier Renmark in round five.
Ben Fisher was a headline signing at Barmera-Monash, after a 118-game SANFL career with West Adelaide across nine seasons.
Barmera-Monash football manager Mark Henwood said the 36-year-old former West Adelaide vice-captain’s leadership was valuable.
“We have a few younger fellows (and) the way he instructs and talks, because he’s played a lot of league footy, is fantastic…” he said.
Since being appointed Loxton coach, ex-Barmera-Monash star Dillon Millard has blossomed into a playing coach role, adding punch to the Tigers’ half-back line.
Millard and Lachlan Evans – recruited with his brother Jack Evans under previous coach Leigh Kruger before last year’s Covid-cancelled season – helped set up the Tigers’ nine-goal first quarter against Berri in round three.
Evans showed great resilience with 27 touches and a goal during Loxton’s loss to Renmark.
Berri welcomed defender Evan Penaluna, from Airport West in Victoria, and utility Tom Finlay, from Adelaide.
Berri coach Brian Gates said Finlay had several strings to his bow.
“He’s certainly a good ball user and a pinch hitter in the ruck,” he said.
“He really launches us across half back, but he’s not a lockdown centre half back, he can create for us too.”