Jeparit-Rainbow have signed two highly regarded footballers from the Western Region Football League, including the nephew of AFL Hall of Famer Michael Long.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Thomas Long and Jason Whitling will bolster the Storm's chances of a sixth consecutive finals berth for the 2020 Horsham District football league season.
The duo previously played at the Laverton Magpies in division three of the Western Region Football League, where they finished first and second in the 2018 club best and fairest.
Jeparit-Rainbow president Jason Hutson said Long had a distant family connection to the club.
"Thomas' Dad, Patrick, played for Jeparit back in 1995 when we were in the Southern Mallee League, and he's the brother of Michael Long," Mr Hutson said.
"So he's got a bit of a connection to the club, and I think that was one of the main reasons we got him.
"He and Jason Whitling have been playing down in Melbourne for a few years and they are pretty good mates, too.
"It's good to have both of them on board."
Whitling has played most of his career with Laverton, and is touted as a midfielder who can also play off half-back.
Long grew up playing for St Mary's in the Northern Territory Football League, and is a half-forward and midfielder with a knack for kicking goals.
Second-year Storm coach Dan Batson said while he hadn't seen the duo play, he was excited to see what they could offer.
"They should hopefully boost us a bit for next year," Batson said.
"We definitely think we're on the right track, and we're chasing after a few more signings at the moment as well."
Mr Hutson added that most of the playing list from 2019 had re-signed, including travelling stars Bradley Hunter and Shane Maslin.
Sean Pratt meanwhile had departed the club.
"We've pretty much kept most of last season's squad," Mr Hutson said.
"Sean Pratt has a young family which made it hard for him. Often he'd be going straight home after the game, so we understand his call."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.