THE flood of former AFL players joining country footy ranks has continued.
Both the Sunraysia and Ovens and Murray leagues are set to benefit from increased crowds and interest in 2013 after the signing of big-name players.Former Richmond small forward Kayne Pettifer became the latest star signing at Ovens and Murray league premier Yarrawonga when he put pen to paper just before Christmas.
The 30-year-old, who played 113 games for the Tigers from 2001-09, will line up alongside dual Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola and former Richmond teammate and close friend Craig Ednie.
Pettifer booted 51 goals for Montmorency in the metropolitan Northern Football League this year, following stints at East Perth and Montrose after he was delisted by Richmond.
He last played country footy with his home club, Kyabram, in the Goulburn Valley league in 2010.
Earlier this month, former North Melbourne premiership player Shannon Motlop signed with Red Cliffs in the Sunraysia league.
In recent seasons, Motlop, 34, has played with Dunolly in the Maryborough Castlemaine league, Robinvale in the Sunraysia league, and - this year - St Arnaud in the North Central league.
He was part of Robinvale's 2010 undefeated premiership team.
Red Cliffs coach Troy Moncur, who coached Robinvale to the 2010 flag, said the club was fortunate to have secured such an experienced player.
"I look forward to Shannon's involvement with the club both off and on the field,'' Moncur said.
"Our agenda is more than building one team - it's about forging a great club, and that's all football and netball at all grade levels.
"Hence why getting good families like the Motlops to the club are pivotal to this.''
Red Cliffs president David Hensgen said Motlop's leadership and experience would benefit the Tigers' local players.
"We have some good kids coming up through the ranks and to have a former AFL player on our list will be very valuable for our club,'' Hensgen said.
