Nathalia has welcomed back a triple premiership star
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Shepparton News
Nathalia’s forward line is poised to become an even more potent threat for opposition defences.
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Three-time premiership Purple Nathan Oakes will make his long-awaited homecoming in 2027, rejoining the club for the first time since ticking off a trio of premierships for the club in 2017.
In his decade-long absence from the region, Oakes spent four years with Richmond in the VFL and played in back-to-back flags with Eastern Football League club Balwyn, booting 110 goals in 74 appearances for the Tigers.
Oakes will be an invaluable addition to a forward line that already includes Les Mogg Medallist Liam Evans, who booted 93 goals in 2026 to help guide the Purples to the preliminary final.
But the powerfully built Oakes isn’t the only Tigers talent headed back to the Goulburn Valley.
In the Goulburn Valley League, Shepparton has moved to put its grand final thumping in the rearview mirror with the addition of EFL premiership winner Bowen Smith.
The Balwyn captain will call Deakin Reserve home after back-to-back premier division flags in 2024-2025, a pair of club best-and-fairest’s, and multiple Team of the Year selections.
Like his Balwyn teammate Oakes, Smith is no stranger to the region, a product of Nathalia and a member of its premiership golden era with four flags to his name.
Meanwhile, Tatura has been dealt a blow with star Jimmy Bennett departing the club.
James Bennett has departed Tatura.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
The midfielder averaged 29 disposals for the battling Bulldogs in 2026 but has made the move to the Bendigo Football League, aligning with Strathfieldsaye.
In the Picola District League, premier Katamatite’s bid for a three-peat has received an early boost.
Katty has welcomed Numurkah spearhead Nathan Hicks to Tigerland after more than a decade at the Blues and 262 goals, the two-time Murray league representative calling time at the Showgrounds after an illustrious stint.
Numurkah isn’t the only Murray league club to wave goodbye to one of its senior mainstays.
Rumbalara talent Levy Tejones has opted to call Northern Football League club Fitzroy Stars home on a full-time basis in 2027, the move coming after the crafty forward made his debut appearance for Coburg in the VFL.
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