WELL-paying contracts in the SANFL, the employment networks of the VAFA, cashed-up metropolitan teams and salary cap restrictions have made it difficult for VFL clubs to nab ``name'' recruits in the past few years.
Who carried the largest profile on to VFL grounds last year?
Not a player, but a coach in Gary Ayres, as he marched out to the Port Melbourne huddle.
But the league will get a splash of star-factor in 2009 through Nathan Thompson's arrival at Werribee and Adem Yze making his new football home at Box Hill's City Oval.
Throw in Jason Saddington at the Northern Bullants and Damian Peverill at Collingwood and there are names to take the eye of fans with only a casual interest in the VFL.
Thompson and Yze were inundated with offers after calling a close to their decorated AFL careers.
But a desire to play at the best level available to them, and the lure of coaching roles, brought them to the VFL.
Thompson said he was always keen to join Werribee, where he played a handful of games last season.
He will be an assistant coach to Simon Atkins, looking after the forward line.
``The bit of time I spent there last year, I felt I fitted in very well and enjoyed it,'' he told Inside Football.
``I just felt the club was going places, to tell you the truth. I got along well with the coach and I could see a good group of young guys.''
He said of the coaching role: ``I'll be dipping my toe into the water a little bit with that area of footy. It will be a good challenge, a good experience.
``I'll get to see what goes on behind the scenes. It will be a way to get a feel for coaching and if it's something that interests me for the future.''
For a competition that craves more publicity, Thompson will be in a position to spruik the league through media gigs at SEN and the Sunday Football Show.
He is a fan of the VFL. ``I was very impressed last year. For the kids coming through the system, it's a really good standard of footy. There's a lot of good footballers out there.
``Even for those guys who aren't going to make the AFL, it's a chance for them to play quality senior football.''
Werribee was as much relieved as pleased to sign Thompson.
In terms of recruiting, the Tigers have put out a lot of bait in the past two or three years, had some nibbles, but bagged little.
It was understandable that they were quick to post the headline ``Tigers' boom recruit for 2009'' on their website after Thompson agreed to terms.
The burly spearhead will be a more-than-adequate replacement in the goalsquare for former captain James Podsiadly, who caused Werribee jaws to drop when he transferred to Geelong after last season.
Thompson said he would have relished playing alongside the 2008 JJ Liston Trophy champion.
``We went quite well when we did play together last year. He's a fantastic player and it's disappointing he's gone, but you just get on with it.
``I still think we'll have a potent forward line. There's some nice players to work with.''
Yze is an assistant coach at Box Hill and will also have a part-time development role with Hawthorn.
He was also looking for a club with contacts to give a push to his business, the Global Group of Companies.
``I love playing footy. If I didn't play in the VFL this year I would have played somewhere,'' the new AFL life member said.
``But there were as couple of things I needed to do and Box Hill was able to accommodate me.''
He said he was intent on having a good season ``but it's not about me playing well each week''.
``I want to be a good contributor but at the same time we need the young guys playing well,'' Yze said.
``It's not going to worry me if I've got to play a bit role now and then if it means a young player getting a go at it.''
Box Hill also locked away Sam Iles, the former Tasmanian who was let go by Collingwood after three seasons that produced seven AFL games; delisted Adelaide rookie Ed Curnow; and ex-North Ballarat Rooster and Tase Devil; Lachie George.
Last Modified on 15/02/2009 16:26