Co-coach Joel Bennett won’t be the only Whitley medallist in the Corio midfield in 2024 following the signing of Matt James from Bell Post Hill.
James, who won the GDFNL best-and-fairest in 2018, has signed with the Devils in a massive boost to their midfield stocks.
“It’s pretty exciting, isn’t it?” Bennett told K rock Football.
“Matty and I were just talking over the last little while, and it’s great that he’s come on board.
“He’s certainly going to add some star power to our side with his run-and-carry and ball-winning ability.”
“It’s going to be good work with him.”
James, who has also played at senior level with North Shore and Bannockburn, isn’t the only former Panther headed to Purnell Road, with Noah Bartolo – son of former Devil John – also joining the club.
Bartolo played his junior football with GFNL club Geelong West and played six senior games with Bell Post Hill in 2022.
“Our families went away camping over Christmas time,” Bennett said.
“He was a great junior and is a good ball-winner, and I’m really looking forward to getting to work with him.”
James and Bartolo join the previously announced arrival of North Shore duo Herschelle Carr and Hayden Burns.
Bennett also confirmed the addition of former Geelong West teammate Jayden Kealey as a player and in a strength and conditioning role.
“It’s at the stage where the boys are ready to take the next step,” he said.
“Speaking to the players in exit meetings, they want that professionalism to go up a little bit.
“Having someone coming on like Jayden who really knows his stuff is going to be a great asset for us.”
Corio, which won five games in its best return since 2011, will commence pre-season training on November 13.
Meanwhile, Matt James isn’t the only departure from Bell Post Hill.
Justin Tarr, who will share the coaching role with Ash Witney for the next two years, has confirmed premiership quartet Dylan Witney, Caleb Bacely, Nick Costello, and Renn Lovitt won’t be at Myers Reserve in 2024.
They will take a combined 15 premierships of experience to Great Western in the Mininera and District League.
In other GDFNL news, Werribee Centrals have added Keegan Gilbert and Zac O’Halloran from VAFA club St Bernard’s.
