PLAYER PROFILES
DOUG PAYTON
The Panthers backline continues to go from strength to strength… and with the addition of Doug Payton for season 2024, the Great Wall of Mentone is very nearly complete.
Few back men read the play as well as Doug, whose ability to hit the contest at the perfect moment is uncanny. Ever reliable on the rebound, Doug’s relentless attack on the contest gives his teammates in the back six the confidence that they’ll always have numbers in support. His team-first approach is at the heart of footy at Panther land.
DARCY BROWN
In 1995, Michael Jordan announced his return to the Chicago Bulls with an iconic, two-word fax… “I’m back.” Times may have changed slightly - but at Panthers HQ, the mood was identical when Darcy Brown gave us the news we’ve all been waiting for.
Multiple Senior B&Fs. A Club leading goalkicker. Multiple VAFA Team of The Year accolades… Doc’s honor roll alone cements his position as one of the greatest Panthers of the last 55 years.
But if you ignore his personal achievements for one moment, all you are left with is… one of the most selfless, courageous and loyal players to put on the guernsey; one of the most popular teammates the Club has seen; a player with a rare, almost unique, combination of skill and consistency that confirms his status as one of the most impactful Panthers of the modern era.
We could go on - in fact, we’d love to. But there’s only one thing that matters right now.
Doc is back.
COMERY EDGEWORTH
After nearly 150 senior games and a decade of service to the Panther, we’re delighted to announce Comrey Edgeworth has committed to our 2024 season.
The 2019 OMFC senior best & fairest has dominated all over the ground, wherever needed, and over a decade has rarely been beaten in a contest. A special player and a much loved and respected teammate, Gags’ commitment as our rebuild gathers momentum is exciting but ultimately unsurprising given the quality of the man.
BRETT POLL
We’re stoked to share that the great Brett Poll has committed to 2024! One of the great team men and a player who is the embodiment of the Panther spirit, ‘Polly’s brand of tough, no nonsense footy is the hallmark of a bloke who leads by example and whose teammates walk taller when he’s amongst them.
LEWY OLIVER
It’s not often that a club gets to announce the signing of a key back and a key forward at the same time, but in Lewy Oliver, the Panthers have both.
A proven swingman, nominated for the OMFC’s Team of the 25 Years, ‘Poo’ has been one of the great clubmen of the last decade and was quick to put his hand up for the rebuild.
He rarely loses a contest. He is a team first player. He is the blueprint for what the future can be for our club.
Bring on ‘24!
MASSEY PARKER
Talented. Tough. A Panther through and through. Rising up through the OMFC 19s to become a critical Seniors player, how good is it to welcome back Massey Parker in 2024! Call Sportsbet now to put your money on the ‘24 league Best & Fairest… Bring on 2024!
MITCH BROWN
In exciting news, we’re pleased to announce another 11 feet to our playing group for season 2024.
At a touch over six feet and a touch under five feet respectively, Sam Bardoel and Mitch Brown have enjoyed distinguished Panthers careers, and it’s great to have them on board.
Both having played OMFC senior footy, ‘Sim’ plays bloody tough and has the engine to back it up, while many will remember Mitch best for finishing top 2 in one of the most elite Reserves B&F counts this century.
Sure of hand and with a strength disproportionate to his stature, he’s a relentless in and under ballwinner.
We love them both. We’re stoked to have them back. Welcome on board lads!
SAM BARDOEL
In exciting news, we’re pleased to announce another 11 feet to our playing group for season 2024.
At a touch over six feet and a touch under five feet respectively, Sam Bardoel and Mitch Brown have enjoyed distinguished Panthers careers, and it’s great to have them on board.
Both having played OMFC senior footy, ‘Sim’ plays bloody tough and has the engine to back it up, while many will remember Mitch best for finishing top 2 in one of the most elite Reserves B&F counts this century.
Sure of hand and with a strength disproportionate to his stature, he’s a relentless in and under ballwinner.
We love them both. We’re stoked to have them back. Welcome on board lads!
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DUSTAN MILLS & JACK JANSSON
The Panthers have finished the Spring Carnival with one of the great daily doubles. Two nominees for our Team of the 25 Years, it’s great to welcome back Dustan Mills and Jack Jansson. With his size, reach and athleticism, few forwards have terrorized defences in the VAFA like Millsy. Jack, meanwhile, has a blend of class and competitiveness that saw him basically never lose a contest in the Panther jumper - the sort of teammate that every player in the league would be desperate to have. This Panthers side is starting to take shape for next season, and there are more to come. It’s exciting stuff. Bring on ‘24!
TAYLOR BANKS
The Panther squad for 2024 just got stronger… and when we say stronger, we mean it. It’s great to welcome back Taylor Banks, a contested beast who is already $1.01 favourite to win most clearances in our division next year. For Banksy, pre-season has already begun, with a lot of excited chat about an engine being built to match his strength in the contest.
One of the first to put his hand up when word spread for 2024, we know how much of a positive impact he will have, both on-field and off.
Bring on ‘24!
GEOFF MCMULLAN
A supremely talented ball winner whose use of the footy is a sight to see, we welcome back Geoff McMullan for 2024. Joff is one of those rare players for whom time slows down when the footy’s in his hands… and few people have a more innate sense of where the big sticks are. If he’s got the ball on the wing, don’t bother leading… just stand back and watch the show. Four bounces, three candy sells and a snap from the pocket - just because he can. How good.
Bring on 2024!
LUKE HULL & TRISTAN STRANGE
Two of the modern greats of the Panther, it’s awesome to announce Luke Hull and Tristan Strange have signed on for 2024! When we sounded the call to arms, these were two of our biggest targets - Hully being one of the most talented Panthers of his generation who has evolved into a terrific senior leader, and Tridda being one of the toughest to EVER put on the Panthers guernsey. This is big. If you’re thinking of getting on board, you now know for sure the calibre of blokes going into battle with you from Round 1 next year. That alone should have you sign up - this is now officially something special.
Bring on 2024!