30 Jan Blues add talent ahead of 2018 campaign
Winchelsea coach Brendan Forssman has confirmed the addition of young guns Kyle Brookes (Grovedale) and Jacob Hernan (Wedderburn) ahead of his second season at the Eastern Reserve.
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of co-captains Clinton Place and Alexander Gubbins who will be assisted by vice captain and cult-hero Matt Worland (all pictured).
“We’re very pleased to announce these two signings because they’ll both be great additions along with the other recruits we’ve announced this pre-season,” Forssman said.
Hernan, who played nine senior games for Grovedale between 2014-15, will reunite with former GFL Tigers Matt Costello and Joseph Fama (see story here).
“Jacob is a great addition down back, most likely our centre half back but he can go through the middle as well,” Forssman said.
The 24-year-old will help fill the senior side’s evident 24 to 28 age gap while Brooks will join fellow recruit Mitchell McDonald (St Mary’s) in filling the Blues’ ruck void.
The Burdoo connection continues after Brookes, 20, also made his senior debut as a tall forward for Grovedale last year against eventual finalist Colac.
“Kyle has enormous potential, he’s very athletic and he can take a strong mark,” Forssman said.
“Kyle has had some injuries in the past few years so hopefully we can get him fit and strong and then (potentially) send him back into the GFL after a couple of seasons with us.”
After finishing 11th in both 2015 (2-16) and 2016 (4-14) the Blues climbed to eighth under Forssman last year with a final 6-1-11 record.
Nevertheless the young side could have easily added another four wins if not for narrow defeats to North Geelong, East Geelong, Werribee and Anakie.
The Blues will open their account in 67 days time against Geelong West (away) before playing Thomson and Anakie under lights.
The side will then travel to Bannockburn three days later.
By Alex Tigani
GDFL Media (30/01/2018)
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