PERSISTENCE has paid off for Peter Riccardi, with the Bannockburn coach landing the signature of local great Daniel Measures.
The 31-year-old, who has three premierships to his name at Queenscliff and St Joseph’s, was most recently at Portarlington, put pen to paper with the reigning GDFL premiers on Wednesday night.
Riccardi described the signing of Measures, who played 13 VFL matches with Geelong in 2013-14, as a “massive coup”.
“I just got him over the line last (Wednesday) night, which is fantastic,” Riccardi told K rock Football’s Coaches Catch-up.
“I’ve been trying to get Dan Measures since I was (first) at the club in 2016. He’s the brother-in-law of Mark Banks, who’s a Bannockburn player.
“Every year, all it is is a phone call, and this year was a “yes” for us, which is great for us.”
GDFL: COACHES CATCH-UP: ANAKIE
Riccardi said it wasn’t an easy decision for Measures to depart Portarlington, which had been confident of retaining his services.
“But, he’s just had his fourth kid; he’s got four kids under the age of seven,” Riccardi said.
“His eldest daughter wants to play netball; I think his wife wants to go back and play netball as well, lives in Meredith.
“It was a perfect fit for him at this stage of his career.”
Measures made his name in defence in the BFL and GFL. However, Riccardi says his role will vary at Victoria Park.
“He can play through the wing, through the midfield, half-back,” Riccardi said.
“We’ve got that many options looking at our list now.
“It’s a bit of a headache, but it’s a good headache to have.”
Talented youngster Jack Henderson has returned from GFL club Geelong West.
Henderson, who made his senior debut for the Giants as a 16-year-old in 2016, featured in 16 GFL senior games while at West.
The full interview with Peter Riccardi will be released on Friday night at 8pm.
Twitter: @tom_king79
