Footscray has finalised its state-league list for the 2025 Smithy’s VFL Season.

As announced earlier this year, David Cuningham, Liam Hunt and Bailey Medwell have joined the Kennel, alongside Cody Bramble – the brother of AFL Bulldog Lachy – and Fred Vapield.

Ted Middleton (Lorne), Omar Abou-Eid (Calder Cannons) and Luca Muratore (Airport West) have also signed with the Bulldogs this season.

Muratore worked closely with star AFL forward and Airport West Development and Assistant Coach Aaron Naughton, emerging as a leading player with 47 goals from 18 games.

Here’s what CODE Sports’ Paul Amy had to say about each of the ‘Scray’s new recruits.

Omar Abou-Eid

Abou-Eid was a 19-year-old player with the Calder Cannons in 2024, with a growth spurt turning him from a midfielder into a 200cm ruckman with a willingness to take the game on.

Cody Bramble

The pacy Bramble is the brother of AFL Western Bulldog Lachy, and had a run with Calder Cannons in 2021 and was on Box Hill Hawks’ list in 2023. He’s spent the past three seasons as a prominent player with Sunbury Lions.

Riely Collins

The former Western Bulldogs NGA member is an inside midfielder who last year split time his time between his local club, Redan, and the Sandringham Dragons as he attended Caulfield Grammar.

David Cuningham

An experienced signing for the ‘Scray in the ex-Blue, who was linked with Sydney after his delisting. Tailed by injury, the 27-year-old made 58 appearances for Carlton, including five last year.

Liam Hunt

A notable recruit for the Bulldogs, with Hunt returning to the VFL at age 26. The onballer won a best and fairest and VFL team-of-the-year honours at Coburg before joining Williamstown in 2019. He left the Towners after the 2022 season and has since been a leading player with North Heidelberg. Hunt’s cousin Ethan plays with Footscray and the Hunts are also cousins with Western Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli.

Bailey Medwell

A more mature recruit for the ‘Scray in Ballarat league top-liner Bailey Medwell, from Sebastopol. He had 41 disposals, 21 contested possessions and 13 clearances in a match last season.

Xavier Kardachi

The Bulldogs were pleased to land midfielder Kardachi, who, after failing to play a game for the Western Jets in 2023, rose to win their best and fairest last year. He also had a top-10 finish in the Morrish Medal and was part of Sunshine’s senior premiership side.

Ted Middleton

The young midfielder from Lorne was the 21st player signed by the Bulldogs, recommended by his coach and former Blue Ed Curnow. Middleton was an excellent contributor to Lorne’s premiership team last year, kicking 19 goals from 14 matches.

Luca Muratore

Star AFL Western Bulldogs Aaron Naughton recommended Muratore to the Bulldogs. Naughton is a development and assistant coach at Essendon District league Airport West, where Muratore has emerged as a leading player, winning the competition goalkicking last year with 47 goals from 18 games.

FINAL VFL LIST 2025 - FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS