Zac Banch pictured in the Pigeons’ training top in 2021.
Former Yarrawonga Pigeons’ forward, Zac Banch is the latest in a long line of local players to be recruited into the AFL.
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Banch was snapped up by the North Melbourne Kangaroos as the club’s number two pick in the 2025 mid-season Rookie AFL draft last week.
On the Roo’s Facebook page, Banch said how grateful he was for the opportunity to play senior football.
“Playing AFL was all I wanted to do, so this is a dream come true,” he said.
“It’s definitely something I won’t take for granted.“
Banch has played 23 games for the Werribee Sharks in the VFL and was part of the team’s 2024 premiership team.
The Roos’ recruiting manager, Will Thursfield said Banch was “very clean, very crafty and doesn’t need much time to make his decisions”.
Banch caught the attention of the AFL after he kicked 16 goals in 15 games for the Werribee Sharks during the club’s victorious 2024 VFL premiership campaign.
The 22-year-old continued in the same vein in season 2025, kicking eight goals in nine appearances, equalling the VFL record for most goal assists in Werribee’s Round 6 win against Frankston.
Banch made his senior debut for the Yarrawonga Pigeons in 2021 before moving to the Shepparton Swans in the Goulburn Valley Football League.
Banch was picked up as the number two pick in the mid-season Rookie AFL draft by the Kangaroos.
He joins many Pigeons to have been drafted into the AFL, including former Melbourne Demon’s premiership player James Jordon, who now plays for Sydney, and Daniel Howe who made more than 100 appearances for Hawthorn and North Melbourne over eight years.
Tom Lonergan played more than 200 games for Geelong and earned an AFL and VFL premiership during his 12-year senior career.
Ben Dixon kicked 282 goals in 202 games for Hawthorn, and is now a host on Fox Sports AFL.
YFNC president Ross Mulquiney said the mid-season draft had provided the club with a moment of reflection.
“Not only on the many young men and women who have proudly worn the YFNC colours, but also on the club’s enduring purpose, to help young people grow into contributing members of both our local and broader communities,” Mr Mulquiney said.
“Over the past decade, YFNC has consistently punched above its weight in developing elite sporting talent.
“The club is fulfilling its purpose of helping young people grow.”
Mr Mulquinney acknowledged the club’s volunteers, supporters, members, and sponsors.
“Their dedication ensures that even the highest aspirations are within reach for young sportspeople in our community,” he said.
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