East Geelong has further strengthened its midfield by adding Modewarre captain Jeremy Ollis as a playing assistant coach.
Ollis, who played 175 of more than 200 games at the Warriors at senior level, was unveiled by the Eagles last (Monday) night as a 2025 signing.
Coach Ned Aulsbrook is rapt to add Ollis after first approaching him at the end of 2023 about making the move to Richmond Crescent.
“He’s got a few connections at the club, and he played a bit of footy with Jack Beardsell, and he’s good mates with him,” Aulsebrook said.
“And I’ve played a fair chunk of footy against Jez over the past decade, and I have a lot of respect for the way he goes about it.
“He was very close to his 200th game at Modda, and he reached that goal this year, and I thought it would be a good idea to again check in with him and see where he’s at with his footy.
“Myself and (president) Dan Payne sat down with Jez and pitched the idea of coming across to help with the midfield coaching role in a playing capacity to help (John) McIntyre out with another experienced head in there.
“Jez went away and did some thinking and decided it was something he wanted to have a crack at.”
Ollis spent 12 seasons at Moriac Reserve, only interrupted by a season at GFNL club Bell Park in 2019.
Coach Mark Hovey says the 33-year-old goes with the club’s blessing.
“I sat down with Jez last week, and we talked through the opportunity that he’d been offered,” Hovey said.
“Clearly, I wanted him to stay; he’s our captain, a premiership player, and a 200-game player.
“But, the opportunity that was put to him by East was something that excited him.
“As much as I wanted him to stay, I didn’t want to stand in his way… he owes the club nothing, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
The addition of Ollis and the return of Ryan Lempa from St. Arnaud help offset the departure of Billy Andrew.
“Billy’s a one-pointer, and to lose a high-quality one-pointer is disappointing,” Aulsebrook said.
“But, to get Lempa back as a one-point player, that’s something really, really handy.
“He obviously knows the league, and the boys love him.
“We were very, very happy when Ryan jumped on board again.”
East Geelong has welcomed Patrick Visentin from GFNL club St Mary’s.
The Eagles, who finished as minor premier before being bundled out of the finals race in straight sets, commence pre-season training on November 25.
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