UPDATE: The Wodonga Raiders have just announced the signing of star midfielder Julian Callegari, a major acquisition as they prepare for the upcoming Ovens and Murray season. Callegari joins the Raiders from the Essendon Doutta Stars, where he shone during the 2024 season, finishing in the top three of the club’s best and fairest count.
However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Callegari’s availability due to his recent signing with the Sydney Swans VFL program. His commitment to the Swans raises questions about how many matches he will be able to play for the Raiders this season.
While Raiders coach Chad Owens is currently overseas and unavailable for comment, Brad Smith, the club’s football operations manager, confirmed that Owens and club legend Stephen Clarke were instrumental in bringing Callegari to Birallee Park.
“I don’t know a great deal about Julian yet because Chad and Stephen did all the negotiations with him,” Smith stated. “But by all accounts, he has a good reputation in the EDFL and is only 24, with his best football still ahead of him.”
Smith revealed that the Sydney Swans targeted Callegari as a VFL recruit, leading to his relocation to Sydney ahead of the season. “So I’m unsure at the moment how many matches we can expect to see him play at the Raiders,” he added. “But we are excited to sign a player of Julian’s caliber and look forward to welcoming him to the club when he is available.”
The Raiders come off a challenging season, having ended with a winless record under Owens, who took over from Marc Almond mid-season in 2024. The team has struggled significantly in recent years, achieving only five wins across the past four seasons, including a wooden spoon last year.
Despite a relatively quiet off-season, the Raiders have successfully brought back siblings Hayden and Nathan Clarke to the squad. Other notable arrivals include Ryan Bonham from Cardiff, Spencer Jones from Albury, and James Georgalis from Norwood. Conversely, the team has seen key departures, including skipper Brad St John and rising star Mitch Way, both of whom have transferred to Culcairn.
In addition, high-profile VFL recruits Corey Rich and Will Fordham have left the club after just one season, adding to the transitional phase the Raiders are currently navigating.
As the Raiders gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on how they integrate Callegari into their lineup, should he become available for selection. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this pivotal signing can help turn around the club’s fortunes.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
