Barwon Heads is preparing to be without reigning Les Ash medallist Sammy Baker and premiership teammate Lachie Wilson in 2026, while the luckless Sam Witherden will play in the state’s north this year.
However, former St Mary’s star Doug Bond has decided to play after training with the club during pre-season.
Seagulls co-coach Damian McMahon says Baker is planning overseas travel during the season, while Wilson has started a new business venture and is preparing to get married later this month.
Baker, who has played 61 games since arriving from Mooralbark in 2022, shared the Bellarine’s highest individual honour with Drysdale’s Ben Fennell.
“He’s folded out of a pretty time-intensive job, and he’s looking to go overseas for a period of time,” McMahon said.
“And probably similar to ‘Willo’, where he was a bit burnt out a little bit from footy, so we’re just going to let him live his life.
“If once he gets back from overseas and wants to come and have a run around, (he’s) another quality player who we’re always going to find a spot for.
Wilson played 59 games after signing from Lilydale ahead of the 2021 season.
“He just wanted to take a bit of time away from footy; he’s got other things going on in his life,” McMahon said.
“We’ve let him be to have a bit of a mental refresh.
“If he wanted to come and have a kick, obviously, we’re always going to find a spot for a star like that.
“If we get him, it’s an absolute added bonus. But he doesn’t owe the club anything, so we’re not holding him to anything.”
Witherden, who has battled injury since returning from GFNL club North Shore, has joined North Central league club St Arnaud.
The Saints are co-coached by former local Darby Schilder, with ex-St Mary’s and Geelong Amateur star Joe Maishman joining the club in the off-season.
Ironically, McMahon’s father-in-law is the football boss at St Arnaud.
“We’ve been having chats with Sammy over a period of time, and where he was with his footy,” McMahon said.
“He probably wasn’t completely committed to us, so I guess the writing was on the wall that he was speaking to another club.
“When that came through, we were disappointed to lose a quality player in Sam, but it wasn’t completely by surprise.
“We wish him all the best, and hopefully he can get through a year of footy with his body.”
Witherden, Wilson and Baker join the legendary Mitch Herbison (retired) and 2025 leading goalkicker (Camperdown) as those not at the start line for this year.
Bond, a premiership teammate of McMahon’s at the GFNL powerhouse, last played with St Mary’s in 2023.
He made a lone appearance in a reserve grade match with Central Highlands club Springbank the following year.
“Dougie’s one of my best mates, we were in each other’s weddings,” McMahon said.
“Dougie’s body has probably let him down at times over the journey.
“But, I thought it would be stupid not to ask the question. No expectations or anything, just come down for a run and see how it goes.
“He’s been awesome. He’s enjoyed it, and with all his experiences that he’s been through in footy, he’s been a really good presence in the group.”
Bond joins an impressive suite of additions at Howard Harmer Oval, with Sam Christsensen (St Mary’s), Charley Donohue (Nirranda), Angus Gaylard (Beaufort), Mitch Jensen (Wedderburn), Harry Prout (Whitehorse) and Kye Smith (St Joseph’s) off-season inclusions.
Barwon Heads will also have unfettered access to Geelong Falcons graduate Angus Ford.
“He’s been a great boost of energy and just pure talent; he’s going to be a serious player,” McMahon said.
“We’ve done a lot of work on making sure that depth is there, and we’ve had a super pre-season from the guys that were there.
“We’re still super comfortable with where the list sits, and really excited about where it can take us this year, without getting ahead of ourselves.”
After a match-up with GFNL club South Barwon last week, Barwon Heads continues its run of three practice matches against St Joseph’s at North Shore on Friday night.
The Seagulls will then face East Sunbury on March 21 before opening their season with a home clash against Portarlington on Easter Saturday.
X: @krockfootball
