BELL Post Hill has gone some way to filling the void left by Matty James’ defection to GDFL rival Bannockburn with the signing of talented youngster Boe Collins.
Collins, who is a nephew of Panthers great Joel Page, has plenty of GFL experience under his belt having played 68 games in the region’s top flight.
However, coach Justin Tarr has played down suggestions the 22-year-old former Geelong Falcon will be a like-for-like replacement for James, who won a Whitley Medal and finished runner-up in his two seasons at Myers Reserve.
“He’s a different player to Matty; he’s a hard at it midfield/half-back, but he’ll probably play in our mids,” Tarr said.
“He’s a ripping bloke, so he’s a good get for us.”
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Tarr said Collins is keen to play in a premiership alongside Page, who already has four flags under his belt.
“With Joel getting on a bit, if it wasn’t next year, it would probably be never,” he said.
Tarr also confirmed Matt Kelly as the latest return to the club, joining the likes of Chris Moreland and Jayden Ettridge in committing to the club in the past fortnight.
Twitter: @tom_king79
