Bannockburn has struck its second significant recruiting blow in as many weeks after unveiling Leopold premiership star Rob Maibaum as its latest addition for the 2024 season.
Maibaum, the Lions’ Mr. Versatile in his time at Memorial Park, came to the Tigers’ attention after moving to Meredith.
“We got a bit of whisper that he moved out there,” Bannockburn coach Ron Pilgrim said.
“I tracked his number down, and we had a chat over the last couple of weeks.
“It just makes it easy for him. He travels a fair bit for work, so ten minutes down the road (to play footy) made sense.
“And he and his partner are having a baby early next year, so that worked in our favour a bit.”
Maibaum played most of his football in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs before joining Leopold.
However, at VAFA club Kew he came under notice from the Northern Blues, playing seven games in the AFL Victoria Development League in 2017.
Maibaum joined Leopold in 2022, playing 19 consecutive games before being squeezed out of the team after the elimination final win over St Joseph’s and missing out on the grand final loss to St Mary’s.
This year, he made 20 appearances for the Lions, including the comprehensive grand final win over South Barwon.
Maibaum played various positions for Garry Hocking, including in the ruck.
However, it was on the wing or in the midfield he had the most impact.
“We’re going to start him as a midfielder,” Pilgrim said.
“He played in the ruck at Leopold, but we’re not going to use him there.
“He’s a good size, so he gives us a bit of versatility.”
The addition of Maibaum follows that of Lachie Kidd in mid-October, and Pilgrim hopes more new faces join them before pre-season training commences on November 15.
“We’re in talks with a couple more,” he said. “So, hopefully, in the next week or two, you might hear a little bit more.
“We’re trying to recruit 3-4 that can fill a couple of holes for us.”
Maibaum is the third confirmed departure from Leopold’s premiership, joining the Surfers Paradise-bound Mitch Patten and retired Trent West.
However, the Lions have been boosted by the signings of 2022 grand final trio Tom Scott, Liam Herbert and Jake Pitt.
Scott (injured), Herbert (basketball), and Pitt (year off) didn’t play any football this year.
