David Fanning as he looked a few years back with Collingwood. Source: News Corp Australia
NEWTOWN & Chilwell may have found the missing piece to its premiership puzzle with the signing of former Collingwood big man David Fanning.
Fanning, who played 14 matches for the Magpies in 2005-06, will fill the ruck void that coach David Wojcinski desperately needed.
The 30-year-old arrives at Elderslie Reserve fresh from a season with VFL powerhouse Port Melbourne, where he played 13 matches.
And he’s prepared to take the No. 1 ruck role with both hands.
“That’s what I’m looking to do and I’m very excited about the season ahead,” Fanning said.
“I want to work with the other talls at the club and our midfielders as well. We’ve got a really good group.”
Fanning arrived for the first day of the Eagles’ pre-season late last year and already sensed the club, which has also recruited Paul Hinkley, Geelong West-St Peter’s midfielder Danny O’Keefe and former St Mary’s co-coach Rob Condy, is on the right path.
“Most clubs want the ultimate success and this club is driven by that too,” Fanning said.
“I feel all the players are on the same page.
“We haven’t talked about where we sit (in the premiership race); we’re just concentrating on what we need to put into place and I think if we do put the right things in place we will get that ultimate success.”
David Fanning played 14 matches for the Pies. Source: News Limited
Fanning revealed he was drawn to the club after a casual chat with former Eagle big man Sandy Robinson, who he played with at Port Melbourne.
He then decided to step away from the Borough, where he played 92 games and won the 2011 premiership, and was coaxed to Newtown by president Scott Robinson.
“Last year was my first year back at football after two years out,” Fanning said.
“I retired and went back and played with my junior club Aberfeldie in the Essendon District Football League.
“I thought that was it for me. I’d played at the highest level for a few years running and I’d had enough of the training.
“But it wasn’t until last year that I decided to have another crack in the VFL with the other older boys like John Baird and Sam Pleming.
“The dynamics changed a lot at Port Melbourne when most of the older boys retired.”
Fanning, who lives in Essendon and is completing his masters degree in teaching at Footscray University, said the standard of the Geelong Football League was also a factor in his decision.
“It definitely was enticing to play in the GFL. I’ve watched a few games here and there and I was impressed,” he said.
Fanning is also in good shape as the season nears.
“I’m feeling really good. My body feels fantastic at the moment,” he said.
“Training’s been at a really good standard and we’ve been getting a lot of miles in the legs as far as fitness.
“It really does feel like a great club and I’ve been able to fit in nicely,” he said.
“There’s some really good players and people down there.”