Former AFL midfielder Luke Dunstan has officially found a new home, just a month after announcing his retirement from the top level.
Dunstan, who was most well-known for his St Kilda playing days, most recently donned a Melbourne guernsey.
However, the 121-gamer only managed five senior games across two years for the Demons, who parted ways the accumulating onballer at the conclusion of this season.
The 28-year-old seems to have landed on his feet after an injury-hit 2023 season, signing with South Belgrave Football Netball Club in the Eastern Football Netball League.
"It's with our utmost pleasure that the South Belgrave Football Netball Club welcomes Luke Dunstan," South Belgrave announced via Facebook on Friday afternoon.
"Drafted number 18 in 2013, Luke has played 121 AFL games for both St Kilda and Melbourne Football Clubs. After 10 seasons at AFL level, Luke suffered a season-ending ACL injury whilst playing in a wildcard match in the VFL in 2023.
"The injury [ended] not only his season but he made the tough call to retire from the elite level.
"Having been a development coach at Brighton Grammar, both Luke and the club felt with our young core group of players, it was a perfect fit to get on board coaching our midfield and helping develop our list overall.
"Along with coaching the midfield group, Luke will also have a role with the Junior Club in a coaching development role, supporting our junior coaches in all facets of the game.
"To Luke and his partner Matilda, welcome to the South Belgrave Football Netball Club and we're excited [about] what season 2024 will bring! Go South!"
Demons defender Michael Hibberd joined Dunstan in retirement, while Brodie Grundy (Sydney), James Harmes (Western Bulldogs), and James Jordon (Sydney) all also departed Melbourne this off-season during the free agency and trade period.
