Melville United will welcome three players from outside the Waikato this season with Oliver Colloty, John Oakman, and Braedan Quilter-Phipps making the trip north.

The trio will call Hamilton home for 2022 with Colloty and Oakman relocating from Christchurch and Quilter-Phipps moving up from New Plymouth via Wellington.

“We’re delighted to welcome Oliver, John, and Braeden to Melville United for this season,” said head coach Sam Wilkinson. “It’s a testament to the environment we are creating at Gower Park that top young players from outside the region are wanting to move to Hamilton for their football experience.”

For electrical apprentice Colloty, it is the opportunity to learn under the guidance of Wilkinson as well as playing at a higher level more often that has prompted a move to Hamilton.

“Playing in the Northern League means I can test myself in a better competition week in and week out. The vision that Sam has for younger players to try and push to play at a higher level was also a big factor in coming up,” said Colloty.

The 18-year-old was named the Youth Player of the Year for the Mainland Premier League in 2021 and is hoping to bring goals to Melville this season after bagging four in seven games of the Southern League for Christchurch United.

Oakman will attend the University of Waikato in 2022 and has some experience at Gower Park having played there as part of a New Zealand youth camp last season.

“The facilities are exceptional and I know people like Joe [Knowles] and Moh [Reynolds] had a good run in the first team last season,” said Oakman who describes himself as a player who likes to do the dirty jobs.

Defender Quilter-Phipps turned out for Petone in Wellington last season and has previously spent time in the Wellington Phoenix Academy with Josh Galletly, Ryen Lawrence, and Sean Leadley.

“The ability to come and play in the top league in New Zealand against some of the best players whilst being in an environment with like minded players made the decision easy” said Quilter-Phipps

Quilter-Phipps will work for Leisure Line Caravans outside of his football commitments.

# Colloty, Oakman and Quilter-Phipps have been supported in their transition to Hamilton by EVES Rentals in Hamilton.

EVES has strategically placed offices throughout the Bay of Plenty and in Hamilton with further expansion imminent. They have a long history of community support, firmly believing in giving back to and supporting the local community through a large number of not for profit, community and sporting organisations.

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