CHRIS Moreland says returning to Bell Post Hill eight years after departing the club will add some further stability to his life after a turbulent 2020 off-field.
Moreland, who stepped down as coach Western Region league club Wyndhamvale earlier this month for personal reasons, last played with the Panthers in 2012 after helping the club to a third-consecutive GDFL flag.
“The last two months have been hell with a fair bit of depression and other stuff going on,” the 30-year-old said.
“I’m on the up, (and) I’m getting better.
“I just need some time on my side to adapt and tick the boxes, and get a bit more guidance and stability in my life, ”
“By Round 1 I reckon I’m going to be pretty fit.”
Since departing Bell Post Hill, Moreland starred with Geelong West in the GFL and was a regular GFL representative, and finished third in reality TV series The Recruit in 2014.
However, his heart never really left Bell Post Hill.
“I’ve always loved the club; Bell Post Hill taught me everything,” Moreland said.
“From playing my first senior game there with some of the guys that are still running around like Adrian Fantella and Joel Page.
“I’m so excited to get back there.”
Moreland’s signature came just hours after coach Justin Tarr confirmed the return of Jayden Ettridge following a season at Apollo Bay.
“We are rapt,” Tarr, who Moreland labelled as a mentor, said.
“I had a good chat to Chris, and I think it would be good for him not just for his footy, but personally as well to come back to his home club and be around his mates.
As well as Moreland and Ettridge, Bell Post Hill has welcomed back several premiership players and former juniors in the past 12 months.
Names like Tim Barton, Dylan Witney, Nick Costell and Chris and Nick Daniele have Moreland excited at the Panthers’ prospects for 2021 after missing the finals for the first time since 2005 last year.
“I know I was pretty p****d off watching Bell Post Hill miss finals,” he said.
“Everyone loves Bell Post Hill, and when you play for the club, you never really leave.”
While disappointed to leave Wyndhamvale halfway through a two-year deal, Moreland concedes his circumstances meant he couldn’t continue in the role.
“I couldn’t do it the club that gave me a chance,” he said.
“But I’m rapt to be back at Bell Post Hill.”
Twitter: @tom_king79