BFNL newcomer Broadford has made its biggest splash to date ahead of its return from a two-year recess, landing former AFL player Quinton Narkle.
The livewire midfielder/forward has signed with the Kangaroos after only recently calling time on his 59-game and 27-goal AFL career.
Narkle, who started his AFL career in 2017 with Geelong, where he played 41 games, later moved to Port Adelaide (16 games) winding up at Fremantle, where he appeared in two games this year.
The Kangaroos are hoping his elite AFL experience, leadership and class will be of benefit both on and off the field.
In a statement released last Sunday, Broadford said it was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to announce the signing of Narkle.
“Originally from Western Australia, Quinton is known for his explosive pace, clean ball use and creativity through the midfield,” the statement read.
“Over his AFL career, he played nearly 60 games at the top level and built a strong reputation for his work ethic, skill and ability to turn a game.
“This is a huge signing for the Broadford FNC, not only adding serious talent and experience to our senior side, but also providing inspiration and knowledge for our up-and-coming footballers across all age groups.
“We’re beyond excited to have Quinton, his partner Taylah and their two beautiful daughters join the Broadford community and can’t wait to see him in the blue and white for season 2026.”
Narkle, who is living in the Northern Territory and is playing in the NTFL with Southern Districts, is expected to play up to 10 games with Broadford in 2026 in blocks of three or four weeks.
He kicked one goal in Southern Districts’ 21-point win over PINT last weekend.
The Crocs are currently sitting atop the ladder after four rounds with an unblemished 4-0 record.
Narkle’s signing boosts the number of confirmed signings at Broadford into the mid-20s, a positive sign for a team looking to return to action following a two-year recess.
Other announced signings include hard-running wingman Seb Morris (ex-Sunbury), ruckman Jay Eager (Seymour), midfielder Will Eager (Seymour), small forward Jacob Strett-Glasson (Kyneton), young power forward Angus Hoyne, key position player Gavin Cathie (Riddell), tough on-baller Riley Edwards (Rushworth), midfielder Dillon Gillard (Riddell), defender Michael Basanisi (Northern Saints), Owen Sloan (Rupertswood), key defender Oliver Lubeck (Banyule), Bryce Fleming (Old Eltham Collegians), Harry Behan (Lancefield) and former Broadford players Dallas Zol, Jai Heers, Rhys Carman, Taiten Thomas, Isaac Smithwick, Adam Miles, Tynan Howard, Charlie Neilson and Ryder Primrose.
Narkle’s arrival at Broadford comes hot on the heels of Castlemaine’s signing of another former AFL talent in Jacob Bauer.
The 23-year-old key position talent played 12 games during an injury-interrupted career with Richmond from 2022-25.
His 2025 season ended prematurely when he suffered an ACL injury while playing for the Tigers VFL team in early July.
He was delisted at the end of the season and will make a delayed start to the 2026 BFNL season.