Existing connections within Diggers Rest led to the signing of a powerhouse forward for the RIddell District Football League season.
The Burras announced that Callum Moore would be joining the club, crossing from Aberfeldie in the Essendon District Football League.
Moore came to Aberfeldie after a successful local football career after playing with Carlton and Richmond in the AFL.
In the Ovens and Murray Football League, he won a league best and fairest, best on ground in grand final media and a leading goal kicker award.
Last season, Moore claimed the Reynolds Medal as the league’s best player while also winning the league goal kicking in the EDFL’s premier division.
Burras coach Shaun Campbell said it was pretty pleasing when signings like that fall into place.
“He’s always had a close association with the club with a few boys he’s friends with playing here,” he said.
“We banded together and tried to get him over the line. He’s played a decent standard of football, he now just wants to come and play with his mates.
“He’s come off a really good season in a really good league.”
The signing of Moore is one of just a few for the Burras.
Jarryd Bonello joins the club from Greenvale, while Tristan Mancusio comes across from playing top flight football in the Essendon District and Northern leagues.
Bonello is no stranger to the RDFL having previously played with Wallan.
The Burras said that Mancusio is a hard-running player comfortable on the wing or across half-back.
Dylan Watts also joins the club from the EDFL having played with Tullamarine and Greenvale.
Watts can play in midfield or across half back and brings leg speed to the Burras.
Campbell said that was about all the players they were looking to add for now.
“We wanted some more quality players which we think we have done.”
The Burras enter 2026 having come off two straight set finals exits.
Last season, they didn’t lose a game until the penultimate round of the season and then went on to lose their last four games.
“Going out in straight sets twice is not ideal,” he said. “There is definitely motivation to go better this year.
“Wary that you can have a good list, you’re not always going to get success in September.
“We need to get through the home and away season first and then get to finals.”
Campbell said they would start practice matches in the coming weeks ahead of the season kicking off.
The Burras start their season on 11 April against Melton South.
