Sport

Former Tatura defender Ethan Penrith gains praise from All-Australian Neville Jetta

By Liam Nash

Jan 29, 2026

Tatura’s Ethan Penrith on the fly in 2024. Photo by Megan Fisher

Ethan Penrith was one of the Goulburn Valley League’s premier defenders during his time at Tatura.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

And even an All-Australian backman can’t help but deny his talents.

Former Bulldog Penrith now plies his trade in the Northern Football League for Fitzroy Stars, a division three powerhouse with Indigenous roots.

The Stars boasted ex-AFL stars such as Eddie Betts, Lionel Proctor and Neville Jetta during last year’s premiership campaign, and the latter gave Penrith great raps when speaking to the The Northern Footy Show recently.

TNFS ranked its top 10 players from each division with Penrith tying for sixth, and Jetta - who coaches Fitzroy Stars - spoke highly of his wide skill set.

“Ethan is a powerful ball winner and brings high repeat pressure around the contest,” Jetta said.

“Very damaging in his ability to win the ball and take it from the inside to the outside of the contest very quickly.

“Hasn’t lost any of his leg speed so his ability to drive his legs and break lines is something that we love.

“Can play multiple roles and has been a great leader since returning to Fitzroy Stars.”

Penrith played two seasons at Tatura in 2023-24, joining from VFL outfit Preston Bullants and going on to represent the GVL and claim the Bulldogs’ senior best-and-fairest in his first year.

He departed for Fitzroy Stars at the conclusion of the 2024 season, and clearly made an impact during his first season back at the club.

Penrith’s not the only former GVL gun to make an impact in the NFNL, either.

Shepparton United product Zane Barzen has spent the past four seasons at division one powerhouse Heidelberg, and outstandingly, has won a premiership in each of those years.

The potent forward ranked seventh in division one by TNFS, with Heidelberg coach Vince Dattoli applauding Barzen on how he carries himself on and off the field.

“Zane is selfless, team first and he is an extremely versatile player. He initially played back in his first year at the club and then become a key forward,” Dattoli said.

“He is loved by all of his teammates and has become a great leader at the club. Only mid-20s and he has so much more growth ahead which is exciting for the club.”