Former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn high-flyer Tim O'Brien has made the move to local football following his Whitten Oval exit, signing with Victorian club Doncaster East.
O'Brien departed the Kennel after two seasons with the Bulldogs, who he played 18 games for before not being offered a new contract for the 2024 season along with Hayden Crozier, Mitch Hannan, Toby McLean, Robbie McComb, Roarke Smith and Cody Raak.
The 29-year-old moved to the Bulldogs as a free agent after almost a decade at Hawthorn, with O'Brien playing 97 games in the brown and gold, and would be part of two premierships with the club's VFL affiliate Box Hill.
The South Australian has decided to remain in Victoria following his career, signing with Eastern Football Netball League outfit Doncaster East for the 2024 season.
"DEFC are thrilled to announce the signing of new recruit Tim O'Brien," a club post read.
"Tim [has] played 115 AFL games, 97 at Hawthorn and 18 at Western Bulldogs. He will be key for the 2024 season and we can't wait to get started.
"We'd also like to welcome Tim's family and partner Elle to the club."
O'Brien's move to the Lions sees the 115-game ex-AFL player join fellow elite-level members Tom Bell, Simon White, Josh Deluca and Taylin Duman at the club.
Doncaster East recorded 10 wins during the home and away season to finish fifth on the ladder before reaching the preliminary final in the premier division.
