Recently departed Geelong utility Emerson Jeka has returned to his former local club Altona for next year.
Jeka was cut from the Cats after one season at Kardinia Park, where he landed via the Rookie Draft following three years with Hawthorn.
The 23-year-old joined the Hawks in 2020 and would play seven games at AFL level in the brown and gold as well as 33 games for VFL affiliate Box Hill.
Jeka was commonly used as a forward but slotted into a defensive role in the later stages of his stint with the Hawks before holding down a similar role with Geelong.
He would not break through for an AFL appearance during his 12 months with the Cats, instead playing 19 games this year at the state league level.
Jeka has since returned to Altona for next season, joining the Western Football Netball League outfit four years on from departing the Vikings as a junior.
"Welcome back Emerson Jeka. Our home grown Viking, Emerson, will return to Simonds Oval to finally debut in our 2025 senior side," a club post read.
"It's no secret he's a talented 23-year-old, 198cm tall young man who will bring a huge presence to game day.
"We're so keen to see you back on the ground, elevating the playing group and continuing to play some prime football using your speed and intercept prowess."
Jeka joins Altona as they prepare to improve on a 2024 campaign that saw them finish fourth on the Division 1 ladder - recording nine wins in the home and away season before bowing out against eventual premiers Hoppers Crossing in the opening week of the finals.
