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St Albans Saints have signed a second goalkeeper for 2017, with Aaron Romein heading over to Fox Street from Ballarat City (formerly Ballarat Red Devils).
The 2015 NPL2 goalkeeper of the year joins the top flight’s goalkeeper of the same year, Chris May, as new additions to the club.
He moves after three years at the Red Devils, spending two campaigns in the second tier after relegation from the NPL in the first season of the system.
His earlier career includes best and fairest honors at Richmond SC in the VPL in 2013 after just half a season after moving from Port Melbourne mid-year. He has also spent time at Melbourne Knights prior to that.
“My time with Ballarat was fantastic,” Romein told St Albans.
“I was fortunate enough to be in a position where I could grow and develop as much as I have with the incredible knowledge and professionalism of James Robinson.”
“I ultimately made the decision to move to a Melbourne club with the goal to play in the top tier of Victorian football again.”
Romein will be expected to provide competition to Chris May, with the fellow former Melbourne Knight – who joined in 2013 after Romein’s departure from Somers Street – signing on from Avondale FC.
“My goal for the season is to play NPL football,” he continued.
“It was always going to be a challenge considering the club had already signed May but that is what football is all about; challenging yourself and your teammates.”
Meanwhile, Romein’s would-be successor at Ballarat City, Alex Baird, who himself departed St Albans after the 2016 season, has also left the regional club and is once more on the lookout for a new team in 2017.