Recently departed St Kilda youngster James Van Es has landed with VFL outfit Port Melbourne following his AFL exit.
The 196cm defender's time at Moorabbin came to an end after two seasons, with Van Es enduring a difficult run with injuries that saw him eventually not offered a new deal by the Saints.
Van Es, who was drafted to St Kilda with the 31st overall pick in 2022, played 14 games for VFL affiliate Sandringham during his time with the Saints, going gameless this year due to an ankle injury.
That ailment saw the young backman placed on the club's inactive list in May, with Van Es spending the entire season in recovery before being delisted by the Saints three months later.
In the wake of his exit from St Kilda, Van Es - a product from North Ballarat - has decided to remain in Victoria, signing with Port Melbourne for the 2025 season.
"The Borough is adding to the big men ranks with the signing of James Van Es," a club post read.
"At 196cm James has the flexibility to play a lock down role or intercepting role with a great ability to read the play and take a strong grab.
"Welcome to the Borough Jimmy."
Van Es becomes the third ex-AFL player to join the Borough this off-season, with Dyson Heppell and Tex Wanganeen also landing at North Port Oval since leaving Essendon.
Port Melbourne, who will be led by former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney from 2025, finished 16th on the ladder this year - recording six wins and 12 defeats.
The standalone has also welcomed the addition of Essendon great and ex-Bombers coach James Hird to the role of director of coaching.
