NEWTOWN & Chilwell has used its Vic Country links to land a trio of talented youngsters from Ovens and Murray club Corowa-Rutherglen.
The Eagles have signed Corowa-Rutherglen’s Will Robinson, Jy Lane and Fletcher Stewart, with Robinson coming to their attention while representing Vic Country at under-19 level.
“I got on to him in the Vic Country game (against the VAFA in July),” Newtown & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon said. “I was assistant coach of the senior side, and when I was at Frankston watching the curtain raiser game, I took notice of him there.
“Matt Bruhn, one of our assistants, was an assistant for the last couple of years in that 19s program, and he’d seen him play the last couple of years and he’s been a standout.
“We knew that was good form knowing we had guys like (St Mary’s) Jack Blood and (Eagle) Mitch Diamond in that team who are obviously two very good kids in the GFL.
“We thought he’d be a really good fit for us and blend in really well with our young players.”
Robinson and Lane, who played with TAC Cup club Murray Bushrangers in 2017 and has been part of the GWS Giants Academy, have both been invited to train with Geelong’s VFL squad.
However, Lane, remains a slight AFL draft chance.
“There’s potential he could he rookie drafted, but it’s probably unlikely at this stage,” McMahon said.
“But the fact he went to state screening in NSW indicates that he’s got some clubs on his radar.
“He’s known for his speed, and (is) a very, very silky player with lightning speed.”
Stewart also spent time in the Giants Academy before returning to play 13 senior games with Corowa-Rutherglen this year.
“Another quick player that reads the play really well,” McMahon said “More a half-back/wing type of player. A really good intercept marker.
“That was the thing we liked about him – his ability to read the play and intercept.
“I think he’s 188cm, but also another quick player we’re looking for.”
Newtown & Chilwell also confirmed the addition of Jacob Magee.
Originally from Townsville, Magee aligned himself with Lara while listed with Williamstown this year.
“He had a lot of injuries this year and barely played,” McMahon said.
“The reason he came from Townsville to Geelong originally was he was trying to get on as a 19-year-old at the Western Jets.”
The signings follow that of Matt Boag from Grovedale and Birregurra star Josh Weatherhead last week.
“We know to win finals on Simonds Stadium you need blokes who are quick, can kick it well and who are fit,” McMahon said of the Eagles’ recruiting strategy.
“We know those guys all give us that.
“We needed another key forward/marking player and that’s what Will give us.”
Last Modified on 26/10/2017 09:07