Former Hawthorn-listed utility Josh Morris will return to Victoria this year, signing with local country side North Ballarat for the 2025 season.
Morris spent the past 12 months back in South Australia with SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens, with the versatile 186cm talent returning to his junior club after four seasons with Hawthorn.
The 23-year-old was drafted to the Hawks out of SA in 2019 and would play 15 AFL games during his time at Waverley, which came to an end in 2023 when he was not offered a contract extension.
Morris' move back to Woodville-West Torrens saw him play 19 games for the Eagles in 2024, recording a return of 18.6 disposals, 4.7 marks and 4.9 rebound 50s per game as a backman.
Following his one-year stint back in the SANFL, Morris has decided to venture back across the border to link up with North Ballarat for the coming campaign.
The Roosters announced the signing of Morris this week, expressing their delight to bring in the young ex-Hawk.
"He's an incredibly talented player with great hands and a beautiful kick. On top of that, he's a fantastic person, and we're thrilled to have him join the club," North Ballarat Coach Clint Proctor said of Morris in a club announcement.
North Ballarat managed nine wins from 16 games in 2024 to finish sixth on the Ballarat Football League ladder.
The club's upcoming season gets underway on Saturday, April 5 against Ballarat at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
