Sandringham vice-captain joins Rosellas

Dylan Weickhardt played one match for Cheltenham in the Southern league this year. And the Sandringham VFL vice-captain dominated it.

“He won the game for us,’’ Rosellas coach Des Ryan said.

“He copped attention but he had too much running ability for a lot of the opposition (Oakleigh District). When the game needed to be won he just worked hard into a forward position, crumbed a loose ball, kicked an icing goal and ran back to the centre. Exactly what you want.’’

Ryan is understandably chuffed his club has signed Weickhardt as a playing assistant coach.

The right-footer played 67 matches for the Zebras and Ryan said he brought experience and enthusiasm to Chelt.

“He’s a class act. He wants to progress into a coaching role and he’ll come on as an assistant and a leader,’’ he said.

Dylan Weickhardt playing for Cheltenham this year.

“He’s exactly what we needed. He’ll play as an onballer. His coaching role will be in charge of the midfield and it’s something he’s looking forward to. We needed onball talent. We’ve got some really good boys that have grown into their football — Jack Barclay’s year was enormous, as a really efficient and competitive onballer — but we weren’t that deep.’’

Weickhardt has pals playing at Chelt, including fellow former Queenslander Conrad Hudghton.

The Rosellas are keen on Weickhardt’s great mate and Sandy teammate Myke Cook, who is also being courted by Mornington Peninsula club Bonbeach.

Cook played 14 games for Adelaide and joined the Zebras in 2012. He was a durable and influential player, making 125 appearances in his seven seasons at the Trevor Barker Oval.

Cook was appointed co-captain of Sandringham this year.