Former Melbourne and West Coast defender Jayden Hunt has returned to Victoria for 2026, signing with local club Drysdale in the Bellarine Football Netball League.
Hunt called time on his AFL career at the end of last year, ending a 12-year stint in the top flight.
The 30-year-old was drafted to Melbourne in 2013, and would play 114 of his 172 games in the red and blue before crossing to the Eagles ahead of the 2023 season.
Hunt managed 15 games for West Coast last year before announcing his retirement.
The East Sandringham product has since made the move back to his home state, signing with Drysdale, where he's "set to be a genuine weapon in brown and gold".
"The Drysdale Football & Netball Club is pumped to announce the signing of former West Coast Eagles & Melbourne Demons player Jayden Hunt," a club post read.
"Jayden arrives at the Hawks nest with 172 AFL games to his name, bringing elite leg speed, run-and-carry and damaging ball use across half-back and wing. His ability to break lines and deliver with precision makes him an exciting addition to our squad.
"In 2016, Jayden was awarded the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy as Melbourne's Best Young Player and went on to play an important role throughout the Demons' 2021 premiership season.
"After heading west in 2023, Jayden finished fourth in the John Worsfold Medal (West Coast Eagles Best & Fairest).
"With a career-high 35 disposals, Jayden knows how to find the footy, and with his pace, decision-making and kicking efficiency, he's set to be a genuine weapon in brown and gold."
Drysdale recorded 11 wins and seven defeats last year to finish fourth on the BFNL ladder, bowing out to Anglesea in the finals.
The Hawks' 2026 campaign is scheduled to commence against Queenscliff on Easter Saturday.
