Bannockburn had added some much-needed firepower to its forward line as it looks to avoid missing finals in consecutive seasons for the first time in more than 20 years in 2026.
The Tigers have signed Henry Hawker from GFNL club Leopold as they look to improve their offensive output after ranking 10th for scoring, and tumbling down the ladder to 10th position – their worst home-and-away win-loss record since 2005.
On the comeback from a serious knee injury when he arrived at the Lions, the 193cm South Australian product kicked seven goals from five outings, including three goals against eventual premier St Mary’s, before a broken elbow ended his season.
Hawker becomes the fourth former Lion to find a home at Victoria Park, joining Rob Maibaum, Fletcher Wilson and Bailey Kelly.
He is the tenth confirmed departure from Leopold this off-season.
Meanwhile, Anakie has lured former Inverleigh and Bell Park player Toby Manganelli to the club.
Manganelli played 63 senior games at the Hawks, either side of a stint at the Dragons that yielded 10 senior games.
He spent 2025 with Colac and District league preliminary finalist Lorne.
X: @krockfootball
