Pictured is Howe eluding a tackle from Richmond’s Dustin Martin while playing for North Melbourne in round 23 at the MCG last year. Photo AAP.
Yarrawonga’s aim to go back-to back premiers of Ovens and Murray football received a massive boost on Monday evening with the signing of former Hawthorn and North Melbourne star Daniel Howe for season 2024.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The recently turned 28-year-old, who played 107 AFL games – 96 with the Hawks and, last season, 16 with the Roos – is a versatile player with the ability to play a lockdown role both through the midfield and in defence.
At 193cm (6’4”), Howe is a very mobile player and will join younger brother Lach, the number one ruckman, at Yarrawonga. It will be the highest profile brothers ever to represent the Pigeons.
Dan Howe is looking forward to being a part of the Pigeons in 2024 and will play an important role in the team’s quest for back-to-back premierships.
“Obviously, I’ve got a strong connection to Yarrawonga football with my Dad (club vice-president Chris) and brother (Lachlan) playing at the club,” Dan told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“Following my AFL career, I wanted to come to a club which means something to me.”
It’s expected the brothers will commute from Melbourne to Yarrawonga every week.
Dan first played for Yarrawonga as a junior on Sundays but would play at Rennie on Saturdays also. At the Hoppers, he was part of the 2006 under-13 premiership side. The following year, he was awarded under 13 best-and-fairest for the Hoppers. He went on to play 102 games, including 7 senior games.
In his first senior game as a 16-year-old in June 2012, he was awarded best on the ground against Dookie.
Dan went on to play school football at Xavier College and played with the Murray Bushrangers before being picked up by Hawthorn at pick 31 at the 2014 AFL National Draft.
Dan is now in his final year of an Arts Degree, majoring in Economics, at Monash University.
The versatile footballer can play anywhere on the ground.
“I don’t have a favourite position,” he said. “I’m happy to play wherever.”
Howe, in his Hawthorn playing days, where he racked up 96 games. Photo AAP.
Before Howe’s decision, he had discussions with former football manager Leigh Ramsdale, President Ross Mulquiney and coach Steve Johnson.
“I only had a brief chat with Steve,” he said.
“He obviously had success as a player, and that success has translated into coaching with a premiership at Yarrawonga.
“I’m hoping to be in a premiership for Yarrawonga in 2024.”
Drafted by Hawthorn in 2014, Dan Howe played three finals for the Hawks before joining the Kangaroos in the 2022 rookie draft.
He was highly thought of in the AFL. Upon Howe’s retirement from AFL last season, North Melbourne footy boss Todd Viney said: “Dan has only been at the club for one season, but he’s had a significant impact on the group in his time here.
“He brought a professional attitude to his training and preparation and gave his all in every game he played, whether at AFL or VFL level.”
Pigeons premiership coach and three-time Geelong premiership star Steve Johnson was not contactable but is believed to be ecstatic with the signing of Dan Howe.
Yarrawonga Football Netball Club President Ross Mulquiney said the club is delighted to announce the signing of Daniel Howe.
“Obviously, signing a 100 game AFL footballer is wonderful for any team. However, the quality of character he brings to the club off the field is equally, if not more exciting,” the president said.
“It will be a reunion of sorts joining his premiership teammate brother Lachlan Howe. That said, there will be no one more excited than parents Chris and Liz Howe who will have two of their boys home each week on the ground to watch.” Howe senior is vice president of the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club.
Mr Mulquiney also expressed the club’s appreciation to former recruitment manager Leigh Ramsdale for his work in securing Daniel’s prized signature.
Mr Ramsdale, a premiership football coach, pulled off many big-name recruits to the Pigeons in recent years. The luring of Daniel Howe is massive. He will be of immense value at Pigeonland.
