Recently delisted Collingwood ruckman Aiden Begg has landed at the local football level for 2025, returning to junior club North Ringwood in the Eastern Football Netball League.
Begg departed the Magpies this off-season after three career games at AFL level, with the 197cm project player joining the Victorian powerhouse in 2021 via the Mid-Season Draft out of the Eastern Ranges.
He would make his debut in 2022 against Gold Coast, recording 15 disposals, three clearances, four inside 50s and four marks in a win over the Suns to hold his spot in Craig McRae's side for the following two weeks.
Begg wouldn't return to the senior side again during his time in the black and white, with injuries significantly hampering the second half of his career at Collingwood.
A knee injury in the VFL this year saw Begg play just seven games in the state league for 2024 and placed on the inactive list before being delisted at the cessation of the 2024 season.
The 21-year-old is now set to return to North Ringwood for the 2025 EFNL season in what is an exciting coup for the grassroots side.
"We're beyond excited to welcome back one of our very own, Aiden Begg, to the North Ringwood Football Club for 2025," a club statement read.
"Aiden was an absolute star during his junior days with the Saints, and his rise to the AFL with Collingwood was nothing short of inspiring. Despite an unfortunate injury that cut his time at the top short, Aiden has continued to shine off the field, offering invaluable leadership and guidance to both the men's and women's teams.
"His contributions, even while sidelined, have shown just how deep his passion for the game and for this club runs. Now, he's back home where it all began and we can't wait to see him dominate on the field once again.
"Welcome home, Beggsy! We know you're going to make an enormous impact this season - the Saints family are right behind you."
North Ringwood amassed a seventh-placed finish in Division 1 of the EFNL in 2024, recording five wins from 18 games to finish 24 premiership points off the finals cut-off.
The Saints were coach by former Richmond and North Melbourne forward Robin Nahas this year, with the 36-year-old having stood down from the role at the season's end.
