Ex-Lion joins Panthers

Carey Park has replaced some experience and speed in their midfield after personnel losses over the pre-season, with former Brisbane Lion James Hawksley joining the club.

Hawksley played 32 games for the Brisbane Lions between 2007 and 2012, after being taken with pick 38 in the 2006 national draft.

The 27-year-old then returned to Peel Thunder for the 2013-14 seasons, but did not play in the WAFL last year, instead plying his trade in the amateurs in Perth.

Carey Park coach Jamie Nani said the club contacted Hawksley through former Lions teammate and roommate Kieran King, who played with the Panthers last year.

Nani said Hawksley would be pivotal to the side this year.

"The guy can play anywhere. He is a very handy inclusion," he said.

"We needed to replace what we lost and we got a fair replacement."

In other transfer news, Donnybrook have acquired the services of Eaton Boomers ruckman Brendan Page and backman Cody Miller, while Travis Gray has returned to Bunbury after being on South Bunbury's list for the past few seasons.

Former Carey Park captain Matt Martin has also switched clubs, heading to Bunbury in the off-season to add firepower to last year's wooden spooners.

In good news for the Boomers, former midfielder Jye Cormack returns to the club to play alongside his brother Jace Cormack and fills the hole left by Denholm King who has gone to East Fremantle in the WAFL this year.

Meanwhile South Bunbury have lost key duo Shaun Crane and Fraser Miller, who have both been cleared to join the Perth Demons in the WAFL this season.

Collie have also been recruiting well in the off-season, with Seth White and Blair Malatesta returning from the Upper Great Southern Football League for this year.