SANFL News

Delisted Cats forward, luckless Demon make SANFL returns

A pair of South Australians are returning to their roots for 2022.

Published by
Mitch Keating

South Australian pair Ben Jarvis and Aaron Nietschke have returned back to their home state for the 2022 seasons, joining Norwood and Central Districts respectively.

Jarvis, who was not offered a new contract by Geelong for next season, played just the one game for the Cats across his three seasons at Kardinia Park.

The promising key-forward was limited in his exposure given Geelong's talented tall targets, with Jarvis commonly featuring in the Cats' VFL side across his time with the club.

The 21-year-old played eight games in Geelong's reserves this year, averaging two goals and 5.6 marks per game.

Jarvis will join fellow delisted Cat Cameron Taheny in a move to the Redlegs, returning to The Parade after first joining Geelong via the 2018 National Draft.

“I’m really excited to be returning to Norwood in 2022,” Jarvis said in a club announcement.

“The facilities and the way the club has presented itself has been fantastic and the fact I have good mates here who I played junior football with just made the decision a lot easier.

“I’m really looking forward to round one next year and running out in front of a packed Norwood crowd wearing the red and blue.”

Meanwhile, Nietschke has also returned to his roots in joining the Bulldogs for 2022 following his departure from Melbourne.

The 21-year-old endured a luckless run of injuries during his time with the Demons, suffering three ACL injuries in his time at Gosch's Paddock.

The midfielder has now made a return to Central Districts after being delisted from Melbourne this off-season, with the club announcing the signing this week.

"As a Club we are excited to have Aaron back as we believe his best footy is still ahead of him, he has great football IQ and has an elite work ethic," A club statement reads.

Aaron is still recovering from his latest ACL injury, the Club will assist him in his rehabilitation and hopefully see him return to playing in the back half of 2022."

Jarvis and Nietschke are among the latest ex-AFL players to make a move to the SANFL for 2022, with Taheny, Oscar Clavarino (South Adelaide), Hamish Hartlett and Kaiden Brand (both West Adelaide) venturing to the South Australian league.

Published by
Mitch Keating