Blumgart becomes Thunder’s first new signing for 2017

by Mark Gojszyk 0

Image: Natasha Morello

Alon Blumgart has become Dandenong Thunder’s first off-season signing, re-joining the club he once featured for in 2013.

The central midfielder’s senior journey commenced in 2011 following 11 appearances for the NTC before signing with Altona Magic a year later, where he played 13 games in 2013.

His emergence led to interest from Melbourne Heart’s youth side, and he spent 2012-13 in the NYL system.

A move to Thunder came in 2013, but after one appearance he moved mid-season to Southern Stars, featuring seven times.

Regular senior game time came following a regional move to Bendigo for the inaugural NPL 2 (then 1) campaign, scoring twice in 20 appearances.

Blumgart’s form attracted the interest of top-flight club Green Gully, whom he signed with in 2014.

The stint yielded five goals in 38 games, before a mid-season move to Bulleen Lions followed, where he played eight games in helping the club avoid relegation and achieve top-tier survival.

His move to Thunder will now see him try help the club achieve promotion after narrowly missing out this season.

Blumgart’s signing comes before the announcement of the club’s new head coach, with Thunder currently the sole NPL team that hasn’t publicly confirmed a manager for the 2017 season.

However, the signing strengthens a squad that already boasts the likes of runaway NPL2 golden boot Brandon Barnes and goalkeeper of the year Fraser Maclaren, along with TCF’s NPL2 East Team of the Season fullback Nick Modaffari.