Former St Kilda defender Jimmy Webster has signed with Ovens and Murray Football League club Lavington for the 2026 season.
The gritty, team-first veteran retired from the AFL following the conclusion of the 2025 season, with 180 games to his belt after being drafted in 2011.
“With 180 AFL games of experience for St Kilda across 14 seasons, Jimmy brings an incredible level of experience, leadership and professionalism to our club,” a club statement on social media read.
“We are extremely lucky to have someone of Jimmy’s calibre who is genuinely excited to be part of the ‘Lavi’ community.
“We can’t wait to see him running around at the Panthers.
“A huge welcome as well to his beautiful family; wife Racheal and their boys Angus and Flynn.”
Webster played alongside Panthers coach Adam Schneider during the early years of his AFL career.
Lavington finished second in the league in 2025, before bowing out of the finals in straight sets.
Elsewhere in the Ovens and Murray League, reigning premier Wangaratta Rovers have signed former Geelong AFL-listed Mitch Hardie on a two-year contract.
Hardie averaged 26 disposals and kicked 29 goals through 18 games for Casey in 2025 as one of the premier midfielders of the competition.
“Known for his contested strength, composure in traffic and elite football IQ, Mitch brings leadership, maturity and high level experience into the brown and gold,” a club statement read.
“We’re excited to not only welcome Mitch to the club but also his partner and family, who we look forward to having as part of our Rovers community.”