Former Gold Coast midfielder Luke Russell inks deal with VFL outfit Northern Blues

The Blues had been desperate to strengthen their midfield stocks and provide greater support for captain Tom Wilson, Tim Jones and Zach Ballard.

Russell, who played 73 games for the Suns after joining the club in 2010, will provide the polish they were after.

“He probably would have played a lot more (AFL) footy but given some of their midfield stocks up there with their young talent, he was probably held out at different stages,” coach Josh Fraser said.

“He’s really excited to be coming to Melbourne and to be playing footy for us.

“I think he adds some versatility to our line-up. He can play inside-mid, go to a wing and go to half forward.”

Russell averaged 13 disposals, three marks and two tackles per game during his time with the Suns.

Fraser and Russell played together at Gold Coast before the former Magpie took on the club’s NEAFL coaching role.

“I know Luke pretty well,” Fraser said.

“I think we played at least a year together up on the Gold Coast and I coached him in the NEAFL.

“I’ve got a pretty strong relationship with him and I’m pretty excited about him joining our club.

“I know first-hand what he will bring and I think he will not only make us better on-field but he will certainly help develop a lot of our young talent.”

Russell met his new teammates for the first time last night.

Fraser said he was unsure whether the 24-year-old wanted to reignite with AFL career.

Promising ruckman Liam Wale-Buxton, one of the standout prospects from the Eastern Football League, has also joined the club from Vermont.

The 20-year-old played TAC Cup football with Eastern Ranges before stamping himself as one of the EFL’s emerging big men.

“We have got a number of talls there and we think Liam will add to that mix,” Fraser said.

LUKE RUSSELL

Age: 24

AFL games: 73

AFL goals: 29

Drafted: 2010 (17-year-old selection)

Height: 186cm

Weight: 86kg

From: Burnie, Tasmania.