SANFL premiership defender Errin Wasley-Black to call Aspley home

Aspley has made the first big move of the off-season by signing SANFL premiership defender Errin Wasley-Back.

The 24-year-old West Adelaide star, originally from the Northern Territory, was planning to relocate to Brisbane with his partner Jess and infant son Oliver, and soon found his way to the Hornets.

Walking into a club which was always seen as a rival was a strange feeling for the former NT Thunder player, but his first meeting sealed the deal.

“Jess and I were looking for a change of scenery and I got in touch with my mate Lachie Argus (former NT Thunder and Aspley player) and it all sort of went from there,” he told neafl.com.au.

“It was a bit weird meeting with Aspley, but we had one meeting with them and knew straight away it’s where we wanted to be. It’s a real family-orientated club and that is most important to us.

“I can’t remember too many times over the past five years where I have played in pristine conditions so I am looking forward to that (warmer weather), and I haven’t won a NEAFL flag yet so that would be nice to win one.”

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Wasley-Black, who returns to the NEAFL after playing 31 games for NT Thunder from 2012-2014.

Born in Alice Springs, he moved to Adelaide in 2015 where he was a part of the Bloods’ SANFL premiership side as a 20-year-old in his first season.

The 189cm and 83kg defender comes to the Hornets with 79 games of SANFL experience under his belt and is a huge boost to the Aspley squad as they look towards a Grand Final berth after consecutive Preliminary Final exits.

Coach Daniel Webster said the club is over the moon to secure someone of Wasley-Black’s calibre.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Errin join the Hornets for the upcoming season,” he said.

“He is a great character and will add a lot of class and talent to our list, and we can’t wait to see him in the brown and gold next year.”

While Wasley-Black still harbours a desire to reach the elite level, he says his priority is finding the passion for the game again and supporting his young family.

“If you play State League footy you always have one eye on playing AFL and that’s why I wanted to continue at this level,” he said.

“I still feel like I have a lot to offer a club and that is mainly because the last few years I haven’t been enjoying my footy that much.

“My first year (as West Adelaide) was amazing when we won the flag, but it’s been a rocky road since. The main goal is to get back to enjoying footy again.

“We’re looking forward to moving up in the next couple of months and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season.”

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