After an off-season of key personnel losses, SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens have swooped on delisted Bomber Dylan Clarke for the 2022 season.
The Eagles have been forced to bid farewell to start trio Jack Hayes (St Kilda), James Tsitas (Gold Coast) and Tyson Stengle (Geelong) in recent months as AFL clubs have come knocking on the club's door in the wake of their premiership successes of last season.
Having claimed successive SANFL flags, Jade Sheedy's side have been of great interest for keen suitors both near and far, with young Saints spearhead Cooper Sharman having also joined the top flight after a short spell Maughan Thiem Kia Oval last year.
Now, Woodville-West Torrens have been able to pluck ex-AFL talent from Victoria, with Clarke the latest to join Sheedy's cause for a third-straight premiership.
GRAB YOUR 2022 AFL SEASON GUIDE
“I’m really excited to be joining such a great Club in the Eagles," Clarke said, via the club's website.
"The playing group have been fantastic in welcoming me in to the Club. I was attracted by the prospect of being coached by Sheeds and I’m really looking forward to help the Club succeed.”
Clarke was delisted by Essendon at the end of last season after five years and 24 matches in the red sash, with the 23-year-old offered to still train under Ben Rutten for the summer in hope of a lifeline through the recent Supplemental Selection Period.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
With neither of the Bombers' two list spots offered to Clarke, the Eastern Ranges product has now ventured to South Australia.
Clarke will join fellow 2022 recruit and ex-Brisbane tall Connor Ballenden this year, while ex-AFL names in Riley Knight, Kobe Mutch, Jesse Lonergan, Clay Cameron and Menzel brothers Daniel and Troy will continue their place with the Eagles.
Woodville-West Torrens will begin their 2022 SANFL campaign at home against North Adelaide on Saturday, April 2.
