WANGARATTA has landed arguably the biggest recruit of the off-season.

Former AFL player Patrick Naish has joined the ‘Pies full-time after it was initially expected that he would nominate the ‘Pies as his home club while splitting his time with Carlton’s VFL side.

Wangaratta have had a huge off-season locking in Alex Federico and Aidan Tilley from West Preston Lakeside, while Brad Melville and Nick Richards will return to their junior club.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said he was stoked to get Naish onboard full-time.

“When we first started talking to him we thought we’d get him full- time and then that changed to part-time and now thankfully we got him full-time,” Reid said.

“With his work commitments he couldn’t commit to VFL so he decided to come to us which is awesome.

“He’s best mates with Alex Federico who we signed a few months ago and I think Pat wanted to play with him and he also knows Cal Moore well from when they were at Richmond together.

“He wants to be with us full-time and we’ll welcome him with open arms.”

Naish joins a now scary midfield at Norm Minns Oval that includes Daniel Sharrock, Jackson Clarke, Brad Melville, Alex Federico, Harry Hewitt and Braeden Marjanovic.

“Other than Harry and Braeden who are both young we’ve got a midfield that all players are around that 25, 26 year old mark,” Reid said.

“It’s a really good age group who all have their best footy in front of them which is exciting for the club.

“With all of those midfielders Pat might play half forward or half back as well, he showed at training on Saturday morning how good of a user he is – he can stop on a dime and hit a target so he can probably play anywhere for us.”

Naish played 20 games of AFL football, nine at Richmond and 11 at West Coast from 2018-2022 and will no doubt provide plenty of knowledge to Wangaratta players along with his game on field.

“People forget that he was at Richmond when they were at the peak of their powers so I’m sure he would’ve learnt a lot throughout that period that he’ll be able to pass on,” Reid said.

“His leadership, along with Brad Melville on the field will be great, they’ll be able to set the boys up on field and help us defend the ground the way we want to.

“From what I’ve seen so far Pat isn’t afraid to use his voice.”

Wangaratta supporters will be excited to have the Naish name back at Norm Minns Oval after Pat’s dad Chris grew up playing for the Magpies.

“The other exciting part is having the Naish name back at the club,” Reid said.

“Pat’s dad Chris played a lot at Wangaratta so it will be great to have him back around the club as well.”