Aaron vandenBerg

Former Demons midfielder finds new home in local footy move

The Western Australian will remain in Victoria for 2022.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Former Melbourne midfielder Aaron vandenBerg has reportedly joined VAFA side Old Xaverians for the 2022 season.

vandenBerg played 51 games for the Demons across seven seasons at the club, with the premiers announcing just days after their grand final win that the 29-year-old was set to explore his options elsewhere.

A contested and defensive-minded onballer, vandenBerg showed plenty of promise in his rookie season at the Demons in 2015, playing 14 games and averaging a career-high 16.79 disposals per game.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Aaron VandenBerg of the Demons fends off Will Schofield of the Eagles during the AFL Prelimary Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons on September 22, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

vandenBerg never made more than 14 appearances in a single season, with injuries taking their toll on the mature-aged recruit, who only managed the four games in 2021.

The Western Australian-born onballer's hopes of continuing in the AFL have since faded however, with vandenBerg now joining the prominent VAFA Premier club, per News Corp

Old Xav's managed to claim top spot in the VAFA's first division this year across their limited season, winning nine of their 11 matches to sit ahead of St Kevins on percentage.

Local leagues across Victoria are preparing for an uninterrupted 2022 season, with the state heading towards total freedom with the easing of restrictions as vaccination rates continue to increase.

Published by
Mitch Keating