Sport
20 November, 2025
Coach’s excitement for reconnection
Durwood says the recruiting of Maishman, as excluisively reported in last week’s NCN Herald, would be invaluable in raising the stocks of the North Central Football League club.
STAR signing Joe Maishman will bring experience and knowledge to share with St Arnaud’s youngern brigade, said co-coach Harley Durward.
Durwood says the recruiting of Maishman, as excluisively reported in last week’s NCN Herald, would be invaluable in raising the stocks of the North Central Football League club.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Joe into our program,” said Durward who takes the helm in 2026 with Darby Schilder, a teammate of Maishman’s at VFL club Werribee in 2017. That connection helped bring Maishman to Lord Nelson Park where his brother Nick has played for the last two seasons.
Saints president Bruce Hando emphasised the importance of adding both the player and the person.
“This time of year is always exciting as we welcome new talent into our football program, but securing a player of Joe’s calibre is something special,” he said.
“Most importantly, he is a top-quality person, and we’re thrilled to bring someone of his character into our Saints family.”
Maishman, who played almost 100 games with Werribee, will join the Saints as a key player and as midfield coach. He began his football with Geelong district powerhouse St Mary’s, then graduated to the elite Under-18 program with the Geelong Falcons, where he spent two seasons.
Maishman represented Vic Country in the national Under-18 championships during his time with the Falcons and was seen as a possible AFL draftee. In 2015 Maishman joined Werribee, where he would remain for seven seasons, playing a variety of roles.
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