Home

WAFL 2022: Former Brisbane Lions midfielder Tom Joyce returns to East Fremantle Sharks

Headshot of Jordan McArdle
Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Tom Joyce is back at East Fremantle.
Camera IconTom Joyce is back at East Fremantle. Credit: East Fremantle Football Club/Facebook

Tom Joyce wants to be a part of future success at a “building” East Fremantle after returning to his former club on a two-year deal.

The former AFL midfielder, 21, was cut by the Brisbane Lions at season’s end after failing to make a senior appearance in three years at the club.

Injuries and a lack of second-tier football didn’t help Joyce’s cause of breaking into a star-studded Brisbane engine room but he is currently injury-free.

MORE WAFL:

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The Lions, who drafted Joyce with pick 40 in the 2018 national draft, were interested in offering him a VFL playing contract if he didn’t find another AFL home but the classy midfielder opted to return home to WA.

The Game AFL 2024

“I’ve kept an eye on the Sharks the past few years and like what they’re building, the growth they’ve shown on and off the field and I’m looking forward to playing my part in creating future success,” Joyce told the club website.

“The focus from Bill (coach Bill Monaghan) has been to play to my strengths as a player around the ball and I’m looking forward to working with the current midfield group under Craig Smoker. My strengths are my hands and stoppage work and I build my game around those skills.”

Joyce will be a one-point player at East Fremantle, where he won a colts premiership in 2017.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Joyce poses during the Brisbane Lions AFL team photo day on February 07, 2019 in BRISBANE, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Media)
Camera IconTom Joyce. Credit: Chris Hyde/AFL Media

Several of his premiership teammates are still at the club including former Fremantle rookie Dillon O’Reilly, forward Tim Bockman and running machine Milan Murdock.

East Fremantle football manager Brad Dodd described Joyce as an “excellent” addition to the club’s midfield.

“Tom is an excellent addition to our midfield. He is very good around stoppages and his exceptional hands should compliment our strong midfield group. Tom is a great kid, who is driven, works hard and we’re looking forward to him joining the squad when pre-season starts,” Dodd said.

The Sharks have welcomed back ex-Dockers cult hero Jesse Crichton who is back in the WAFL for the first time in five years.

Ex-West Coast rookie Brodie Riach has also returned to the club after a year playing country footy.

Tough nut Nick Kommer has retired from State-league football, with the former Essendon player to line up for Perth Football League A-Grade side Scarborough next season.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails