BREAKING: Former AFL star Quinton Narkle has officially signed with Broadford as the club prepares for its inaugural season in the Bendigo Football Netball League. Narkle, who recently concluded his AFL career after playing 59 games across three clubs—Geelong, Port Adelaide, and Fremantle—is set to make an immediate impact for Broadford, which has been in recess for the past two seasons.
Narkle, aged 27, becomes the second player to join a BFNL club directly from an AFL roster this offseason. He is expected to participate in 10 games for Broadford next year, after having played two games for Fremantle in 2023. Broadford’s coach, Nathan Thompson, expressed excitement about the signing, emphasizing Narkle’s elite midfield capabilities.
“He’s living up in the Northern Territory, and we felt he fits perfectly into our plans as we return to the field,” Thompson stated. “We are thrilled to welcome not just Quinton, but also his family into our community.”
Narkle was drafted by Geelong with pick 60 in 2016 and made his AFL debut in 2018. He has been a consistent player in the league, averaging 11 disposals per game and scoring 27 goals throughout his career. His recent playing in the Northern Territory league with Southern Districts keeps him in peak condition as he transitions to the Bendigo league.
Thompson added, “Quinton’s ongoing fitness from playing in the NT league is a huge advantage for us. He is still in his prime, and we expect him to contribute significantly without feeling the pressure to do it all alone.”
Narkle reflected on his career in August, stating, “I feel so lucky that I got to be a part of strong clubs with winning cultures. I never reached an AFL grand final, but those experiences in preliminary finals will stay with me forever.”
As Broadford gears up for its return, the community is buzzing with anticipation over this high-profile signing. Fans can expect to see Narkle hit the field next season, marking a new chapter for both the player and the club.
Stay tuned for further updates as Broadford prepares for its exciting future in the Bendigo Football Netball League!
