Departed Hawthorn defender Josh Morris has returned to South Australia for the 2024 season, signing with his junior club Woodville-West Torrens.
Morris lands at the Eagles four years on from when he played a starring role in the club's U18s SANFL premiership, booting 33 goals from just seven matches at the level to emerge as one of the leading small forwards of 2019.
The Rosewater junior transitioned into a medium-sized defender during his time with Hawthorn and Box Hill, and would earn a debut during his first year in the AFL against Collingwood come Round 6.
Morris would play a total of 15 games during his four years with the Hawks, however would not break into Sam Mitchell's side this year.
The 22-year-old was delisted by the Hawks at the conclusion of 2023 to be one of six Hawthorn players shown the door.
The 186cm defender has since signed with his old side Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL, with the Eagles announcing Morris' return on Tuesday.
"In exciting news for our Football Club, we can formally announce that Josh Morris is coming home to the Eagles," a club statement read.
"An integral part of our 2019 U18s Premiership, booting 3 goals, Josh was drafted to Hawthorn where he debuted in Round 6 2020 against Collingwood... going on to play 15 AFL games.
"We look forward to Josh strengthening our back six in 2024."
Morris becomes the second ex-AFL talent to head back to Woodville Oval for next year, with recently delisted Port Adelaide youngster Nathan Barkla also signing with the Eagles.
Woodville-West Torrens have also unveiled former Adelaide, Carlton and GWS ruckman Sam Jacobs as their new senior coach for the 2024 season.
The Eagles finished the 2023 season eighth on the ladder after amassing six wins and 12 losses for the year.
