Footscray have added four recently delisted AFL players to their list ahead of the 2024 VFL season.
Former Essendon defender Rhett Montgomerie, ex-North Melbourne forward Phoenix Spicer, cut Collingwood midfielder Trent Bianco and delisted Sydney tall Cameron Owen have all ventured to the Kennel after departing their respective AFL clubs, with the Dogs confirming their VFL list this week.
Bianco headlines the list of additions for Stewart Edge's squad, with the former Magpies wingman having left Collingwood at the cessation of their premiership campaign.
The 23-year-old played 23 games in the black and white over three seasons at Olympic Park, including one appearance last year - coming into the Magpies' Round 17 clash with the Western Bulldogs as the tactical sub.
Spicer made his AFL debut for the Kangaroos in Round 23 of the 2021 season and would play a further 11 games for the club before not being offered a new deal for the coming season.
The small attacker booted just two goals at senior level but would emerge as a promising pressure forward, averaging close to four tackles per game from his six appearances last year.
Montgomerie, who did not feature for the Bombers' AFL side across his only year with the Dons, would be a strong performer at VFL level in the red sash last year, averaging 18.4 disposals and 8.7 games as a key defender.
Remaining in Victoria after moving from South Australia at the end of 2022, Montgomerie will share his time between Footscray and the Ballarat Football Club this year.
Owen, a 2023cm ruck-forward prospect, like Montgomerie was a 2022 Rookie Draft selection and joined the Swans' key position stocks out of Tasmania. His time in the Harbour City came to an end after one season, with Owen playing 18 games for the Swans' reserves.
Footscray has proven to be an efficient breeding ground for clubs in the top flight, with a bevy of Bulldogs players making their way onto AFL lists over the past decade.
Captain Lachie Sullivan earned a list spot with Collingwood over the recent pre-season after training under the reigning premiers through the Supplemental Selection Period.
The Western Bulldogs have recruited Robbie McComb, Will Hayes, Ryan Gardner, Anthony Scott, Billy Gowers and Caleb Poulter from their VFL program across the past nine years, while Mitch Hannan (Melbourne), Jordan Boyd (Carlton) and Kyle Dunkley (Melbourne) also found opportunities at the top level.
Footscray's 2024 campaign will get underway against GWS at Whitten Oval next Sunday afternoon at 12:05pm.
