It is still a fortnight until the 2025 Bellarine premier is crowned; however, Newcomb is wasting no time preparing for 2026, announcing the return of Logan Wagener from GFNL club Leopold as a playing assistant coach.
The 27-year-old midfield bull, who won the best-and-fairest as the Lions claimed consecutive premierships, spent 2019 and 2021 with the Power.
Wagener, who also featured in Leopold’s maiden GFNL flag in 2016, labelled the decision “super tough”.
“I love Leopold and all the amazing experiences and times we’ve had there with so many amazing people,” Wagener told K rock Football.
“But I think just where I’m at with my life now, I’m ready for some new challenges with some childhood mates and close mates.”
Wagener, who made 10 VFL appearances with Werribee across 2021-22, and two with Gold Coast during the Covid-impacted 2021 season, has been restricted to 10 games due to injury.
He is currently battling a groin injury that will prevent him from making a farewell appearance against Bell Park on Saturday.
“I think my body’s telling me it’s the end of my GFL days,” Wagener said.
“You never say never. Who knows? One day, I might pull on the green and gold again and be a little forward pocket.
“But, at this stage, that’s me done.”
Wagener says he will miss playing alongside one of Leopold’s most decorated players, Marcus Thompson, saying he was “so grateful” to have played alongside him for so long.
However, he is excited about the prospect of helping Newcomb end a finals drought that has now lasted 18 years.
“Clearly, they’ve been super competitive for most of the last couple of years; just probably some inconsistencies and not being able to get the end result,” Wagener said.
“You just saw the last game against Ammos (Geelong Amateur) what their best looks like.
“Really exciting young list and some guns there like Dion Johnstone.”
Coach Tony Mirabella, who will extend a stint that started in mid-2023 into next year, says Wagener brings more than just football ability to Grinter Reserve.
“I think it goes without saying the quality of player that he is, but I think, on a bigger level, it’s also the quality of person he is and what he will do for not just the footy program but the entire Newcomb Football Netball Club community,” Mirabella said.
“He’s just a great person and wants to invest in everything; junior development, off-field.
“And with the phenomenal level of talent he’s got on-field, that will be the top-end polish that we need to add into our group.”
X: @krockfootball
