Rhett Montgomerie

Ex-Essendon defender makes mid-season club switch

After just one game in the VFL this year, the 23-year-old has returned to his old side.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Former Essendon backman Rhett Montgomerie has returned to the SANFL after just one game with Footscray in the VFL this year.

Montgomerie joined the Bulldogs after being delisted by Essendon at the end of last year - his sole season at Tullamarine after being drafted as a mature-aged recruit via the Rookie Draft in 2022.

The 23-year-old didn't play an AFL during his time with the Bombers but impressed at the lower level with the club's VFL side, where he claimed a runner-up gong in the club's best and fairest count.

After being axed by Essendon, Montgomerie decide to remain in Victoria and join fellow ex-AFL-listed talent Phoenix Spicer, Trent Bianco and Cameron Owen in heading to the Kennel.

Montgomerie would play just one game in the blue, white and red, taking on GWS in Footscray's season opener.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Rhett Montgomerie of the Bombers competes for the ball against James Tsitas of the Suns during the AFL match simulation between Gold Coast Suns and Essendon Bombers at Austworld Centre Oval on February 23, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

The intercepting defender has since moved back to South Australia, joining Central District for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Montgomerie joined Essendon out of the SANFL club, who have started this yearly strongly - losing just one of their six matches this season.

"The Central District Football Club is today very pleased to announce the return of former player Rhett Montgomerie," a club post read.

"After spells with both the Essendon (AFL/VFL) and the Footscray (VFL) teams, Rhett will be available for selection for our Round 7 clash with Norwood!

"Please join us in welcoming Rhett back to the club!"

Montgomerie will be eligible to suit up for the Bulldogs next Saturday when Central District host a top-of-the-league Norwood outfit.

In his last season in the SANFL, Montgomerie averaged 14.7 disposals and 7.9 marks from 17 league matches.

Published by
Mitch Keating