A FRIENDSHIP that developed during a season playing together has helped Belmont Lions coach Nathan Bisset lure star Bannockburn forward Brent Jacques to Winter Reserve.
The Lions unveiled 2019 grand final best-on-ground Jacques, who kicked 151 goals in 72 games in four seasons at the Tigers, as a recruit on Wednesday night.
Bissett and Jacques played alongside each other at Victoria Park in 2017.
“I was lucky enough to continue that friendship onwards after I parted ways with Bannockburn, and we’ve been close friends ever since,” Bisset said.
“And it’s a little bit closer to home for him.
“He just adds that firepower up forward for us, and also experience in amongst the young group.”
Bisset, who was due to coach his first season at Belmont Lions this season, has been busying assembling his list for 2021.
Close to 20 re-signings or new signings have been confirmed in recent weeks.
Among them is Bisset’s former Wyndhamvale teammate Corey Goforth.
“He adds a little bit of speed to our group,” Bisset said. “He’s a young fella with still a lot to learn in his football, but there’s a lot of fireworks with him.
“He’s a player to watch for his defensive pressure … you don’t want to be holding the ball for an extra second in our forward line.”
Bisset also confirmed talented teenager Brock Mahony will remain at the club.
Mahony, who has played 11 senior games after debuting as a 16-year-old in mid-2018, has resisted overtures from GFL clubs to stay.
“All the hawks can stop circling,” Bisset said.
“He’s very keen to get a senior year under his belt, and there’s a large pre-season coming his way.”
Depending on restrictions around COVID-19, Bisset has pencilled in late October for a start to pre-season.
Meanwhile, 2019 grand finalist Thomson has confirmed the re-signing of co-coaches Jarrod Westwood and Sam Jacka.
The duo was appointed to replace Reece Holwell late last year but never got the opportunity to lead the Tigers in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19-enforced shutdown of the season.
Twitter: @tom_king79
