From the Weekly Times
FORMER Essendon utility Andrew Welsh will pull on the boots for Central Murray league club Koondrook-Barham.
Koondrook-Barham president Rod Barrington confirmed the signing of the ex-Bombers vice-captain. "We have been working with Andrew for some time, but it was great to finally secure him," Barrington said. "It's great to get him on board at the club and everyone is very excited.
Welsh, 30, played 162 games with Essendon before retiring from football in 2011 and has committed to playing most games for the River Raiders this season.
"He does have a few work commitments with TV and a few other things but he is going to play the majority of the season," Barrington said.
The signing was made possible through a team effort from the club, led by coach Shaun Filo and new recruit Jesse Smith - Andrew Welsh's cousin.
Smith will join the Raiders from Oak Park in the Essendon District Football League.
"It definitely helped that we have also have Andrew's cousin at the club now and they are looking forward to playing together," Barrington said.
The Raiders are the latest country football club to sign a high-profile AFL footballer.
Barrington confirmed the club was in discussions with Carlton champion Anthony Koutoufides about an appearance this year.
"We are still talking with Koutoufides and trying to work out the logistics to get him to play a game with us," he said.
"If we do happen to work that out, it is probably only going to be for one game."
Barrington dismissed rumours that the club had also held talks with Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd.
