Recently cut Essendon forward Tex Wanganeen has signed with VFL club Port Melbourne for the 2025 season, joining ex-teammate Dyson Heppell at the Borough.
Wanganeen's arrival at North Port Oval brings further Essendon flavour to the club, with Heppell unveiled as a recruit last week while ex-Bombers coach James Hird (director of coaching) and list manager Adrian Dodoro (recruitment) also hold roles with the standalone side.
The 21-year-old left Essendon this off-season after three seasons in the red and black, who he joined as a Supplemental Selection Period addition ahead of the 2022 season. Wanganeen followed his father, Gavin - a premiership player for the club - to play for the Dons.
The small forward managed five games at AFL level during his time in the top flight, all of which occurred during his debut season. A foot injury would delay his 2024 season, with Wanganeen switching to a defensive role in the VFL late into the year.
The young utility managed to average 13.4 disposals, 3.3 marks and 1.6 tackles per game at the state league level in 2024.
Wanganeen is one of nine Essendon players to have left the club following the 2024 season, joining the aforementioned Heppell (retired) as well as Kaine Baldwin (delisted), Jayden Davey (delisted), Nick Hind (delisted), Jaiden Hunter (delisted), Jake Kelly (retired), Jake Stringer (GWS Giants) and Sam Weideman (delisted) in departing Tullamarine.Â
He now lands with Port Melbourne, who are also home to former Essendon-listed players Dylan Clarke and Tom Hird.
The Borough managed just six wins in 2024, finishing in 16th on the ladder after a pre-season of optimism.
The club bid farewell to coach Adam Skrobalak at the end of the season, with former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney taking the reins.
