NEWTOWN & Chilwell has pulled off a mid-season recruiting coup with the sudden signing of former Geelong and Western Bulldogs defender Tim Callan.
Callan, who played his last AFL game in the Dogs' qualifying final loss last year, is set to play for the Eagles this weekend in a crucial match against GFL Lara.
In a further development, a clearance has been lodged that would clear the way for Cats premiership star Max Rooke to play for the club.
Rooke joined the Eagles as a non-playing assistant coach this year after chronic injury brought an early end to his 135-game AFL career.
But the club has poured cold water on talk of a return, with a clearance lodged just in case an unexpected comeback opportunity presents.
Callan retired at the end of last year after a 34-game AFL career highlighted by his unwavering courage and blind attack on the ball.
The 27-year-old's arrival at Elderslie Reserve could prove to be pivotal for the fourth-placed Eagles as they continue their march towards finals contention.
Eagles coach Jacob Spolding said Callan was the perfect fit to help out the club's abundance of young talent.
"We're very happy with it and it will help out our group, not only with the playing side of things, but also just the development of the younger players we're blooding," Spolding said yesterday.
Callan will bolster a defensive unit ranked third in the competition for points against and will also be part of the club's midfield rotations.
"He's been working in Melbourne, so he's had a bit of travel early in the year, but that's slowed down and he can now play for the rest of the year," Spolding said.
MEANWHILE, St Joseph's is out of the running for former Collingwood player Brodie Holland, who will stay at Maribyrnong Park.
Last Modified on 16/01/2012 12:18