Western Bulldogs retiree Alex Keath has joined the East Brighton Vampires in the Southern Football Netball League for 2025.
Keath was a 109-game key defender for the Crows and Bulldogs, with his AFL career beginning at West Lakes after he was signed as a Category B Rookie in the 2015-16 pre-season.
The 32-year-old was an under-age recruit to the inaugural Gold Coast list in 2009 but transitioned into a cricket career, where he played alongside the likes of Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
However at the end of his Victorian cricket contract, he was approached by the Crows and his AFL journey began.
Keath won a Showdown Medal in 2019 and featured in the Bulldogs' 2021 grand final appearance, but an injury limited him to just five games in 2024.
The East Brighton Football Club were overjoyed with Keath's signing.
"A huge day for our great football club, and bloody exciting times," the club said in a statement.
"After 109 AFL matches, Showdown Medal and Western Bulldogs Team Player of the Year in their Grand Final year, Alex Keath has decided to call The Vampires his new home."
Having recently moved into the area, Keath said the Vampires were the best match for him and his family.
โEast Brighton is a perfect fit. We can't wait," Keath said.
East Brighton finished sixth in the SFNL's 2024 standings, with a win record of 9-1-8. Their junior program has produced an abundance of AFL talent, including Hugo Ralphsmith, Finn Maginness, Josh Kelly and 2016 Pick 1 Andrew McGrath.
