Richmond VFL is delighted to announce the recruitment of Aidyn Johnson, Nathan Cooper and Cody Henness for the 2020 season.
Johnson, 22, arrives at the Swinburne Centre with AFL experience, having spent the past four years at Port Adelaide where he played 11 AFL games and booted eight goals.
The 185cm forward often starred at SANFL level and will add speed and agility to the premiership Tigers’ lineup while also strengthening the Club’s strong link with the Bendigo Pioneers, where he played TAC Cup in 2014-2015.
Johnson, who trained with Sydney in the hope of an AFL lifeline in the leadup to this year’s draft, said his relationship with new Richmond VFL coach Xavier Clarke was the deciding factor in his decision to join Richmond.
“I actually went over to South Africa with ‘X’ in 2014, he was the coach of the Boomerangs side which was a bit of fun, so that was a pull to get me here and also how connected all of the boys are,” he said.
“Already everyone has been so welcoming, and I know that I have made the right decision.
“On field I just want to play consistent footy and give myself the best chance to play AFL again; and it’d be nice to win a premiership here as well.”
Cooper, a key defender with excellent athletic traits, had an outstanding 2019 at Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray.
The 22-year-old has previously played state league football for Sydney University in the NEAFL and was one of the standout performers in Victoria Country’s representative game against the VAFA in July.
Henness, a 193cm utility, has crossed over to Richmond VFL from Footscray, where he spent the past two seasons.
The youngster (20) played seven games for the Bulldogs in 2018 before injuries limited him mostly to his home club Frankston YCW this season.
Clarke said that the trio of playing additions would bolster the flexibility and strength of the list.
“It’s always good to add more AFL experience to the squad, and Aidyn along with the rest of the boys will bring high training standards to the group,” he said.
“Nathan has spent some time in the Sydney Academy and will add to our tall stocks and Cody also has some really good size and versatility.
“It’s exciting to have them on board.”
Highly rated assistant coach Clay Illman has also joined the program as one of two new line coaches (forwards).
Illman was a senior assistant coach at Williamstown this year and is a teacher and First XVIII Head Coach at Pentleigh and Essendon Grammar School.
Clarke said he was excited by the new ideas that Illman, along with Sam Lonergan (AFL Development and VFL midfield coach) would bring into the program.
“Sam has been coaching his own team for the past couple of years and will continue to develop while also working in our AFL program,” Clarke said.
“Clay is a really good person with a strong teaching background and method of coaching. He’s still learning the way we play, but after four years at Williamstown he’s got some really strong VFL experience.”
Clarke also thanked departing players James Fletcher, Blake Grewar, Jacob Ballard and Tom Silvestro for their service to the Richmond VFL program.
“Those guys have been an integral part of what we have been able to build here at Richmond at VFL level, we wish them all the best for the future,” he said.
Ballard and Silvestro will continue their VFL careers at Coburg in 2020, with Ballard leaving as a premiership player.
