Bannockburn’s hopes of a quick bounce back after missing the GDFNL finals for the first time since 2014 have received a significant boost, with premiership co-coach Jack Brauman returning to the club.
The hard-edged midfielder, who has VFL experience with Werribee to his name, has spent the past three seasons with QAFL club Surfers Paradise.
A one-off appearance in mid-2023 was his only outing for the Tigers since leaving Victoria Park, after helping guide the club to the 2022 premiership.
Coach Ron Pilgrim says the arrival of Brauman is the perfect start to the off-season for Bannockburn after finishing with a 5-13 win-loss record this year, its worst return in 20 years.
“Everyone knows Jack’s footy background; he’s a superstar footballer,” Pligrim said of the joint 2021 Whitley medallist.
“But he’s probably one of the best leaders I’ve ever been involved with, and we lacked a bit of that last year.
“So, not only the playing side of it, but his leadership skills are second to none.
“It’s fantastic news to get him back.”
Pilgrim says the midfield and forward are where Bannockburn, which has been allocated 46 points for 2026, is keen to add some talent.
“If you look at our back line last year, they were pretty good,” he said.
“The amount of pressure they were under, particularly in the back half of the year, when we had some injuries.
“We’re definitely looking for a couple of mids nd a couple of key forwards.”
However, Pilgrim has confirmed Ryan Perkins will join GFNL club Bell Park.
The talented youngster, who spent two years with the Geelong Falcons, represented the GDFNL under-25 team against Colac and District.
Meanwhile, Thomson has signed former junior Zac Rochow-O’Toole from Leopold.
Rochow-O’Toole, who also spent time at East Geelong, played senior matches for the Lions.
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