Barwon Heads has added a further touch of class to its already impressive midfield, with former St Joseph’s star Reid Adams joining the club.
A two-time premiership player at Joeys, Adams spent a season with VFL club Williamstown after graduating from the Geelong Falcons.
Barwon Heads co-coach Sam Schaller says initial interest from Adams, who announced his GFNL retirement at the end of 2022, was lukewarm about making a comeback alongside good mates James Allen and Brock Close.
“He wasn’t firmly on our radar at season’s end,” Schaller, who has worked alongside Adams, said.
“Talking to Jimmy and Brock, they said we should reach out to him.
“We had some initial discussions, and I wouldn’t say there was a great deal of interest early.
“I went to the same wedding as him about a month ago and had a bit of a chat to him there, and there still wasn’t much interest.
“But about a week later, he sent a text through to ‘Herbie’ (co-coach Mitch Herbison) and said, ‘I’m in and I’m keen to go’.”
Having lost a handful of players this pre-season and missed out on luring former junior Flynn Young and Zach Walter back to the club from Newtown & Chilwell, Schaller says the announcement of Adams’ arrival is timely.
“We’ve had a few guys go to other clubs, and we’ve been working hard to bring a couple more in,” Schaller said.
“We’re looking for some quality people and some quality players, and Reid ticks that box.
“We’re looking forward to him being part of our group for 2024.”
Schaller confirmed Barwon Heads was among the numerous clubs who spoke with former Adelaide and Hawthorn defender Kyle Hartigan before he chose Queenscliff as his football home for 2024.
“I think we got down to the wire with him,” Schaller said.
“But, we missed out on him, and he ended up at Queenscliff.”
Off-field, Barwon Heads has had a change of president, with Tim Goddard stepping down after six seasons in charge.
He has been replaced by local identity Russell ‘Nipper’ Hyland.
“It’s been a successful period with a couple of flags,” Schaller said.
“He’s been really good for the club over that period.
“Russell is a pretty similar operator as well – a local guy who knows the club well.
“It’ll be a pretty seamless transition, I would have thought.”
