WINCHELSEA has landed one of the first recruiting blows of the GDFL off-season with the signing of Newcomb captain Brenton Rees.
Rees, who won the Ross Gibson Medal as best-and-fairest in his two seasons at the Power, will join the Blues as playing assistant coach to second-year mentor Christian Shaw.
The star midfielder, who has VFL experience with Geelong and Werribee, landed at Eastern Reserve after opening a business in Winchelsea.
“Brenton’s opened up an exercise physiology clinic in Winchelsea in the old post office on the main street,” Shaw said.
“Winchelsea’s not a huge town, and everybody knows everybody.
“Once we got wind of that, the rest is history.”
Shaw is well aware of Rees’ talents, having been an assistant coach at St Joseph’s where the 27-year-old was a vital part of the midfield in GFNL premierships in 2017-18.
“He’s an exceptional player, but more importantly, he’s an exceptional person as well,” Shaw said. “He’s going to fit in seamlessly with our group.
“If you were going to ask me what we were looking for in particular, it’s those guys who can hit targets more often than not.
“We’ve got a great inside mid combination, and we needed to complement that.
“He’s perfect for us.”
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Winchelsea has also added to its firepower up forward with the addition of former South Barwon forward Jordan Huff.
Huff, who spent 2016-17 with the Swans, kicking 25 goals in his first season at McDonald Reserve, has spent the past four seasons travelling back to Horsham and District league club Noradjuha Quantong.
“He’s about 6’3½”-6’4 (192-193cms) and can play at both ends,” Shaw said.
“Where’s he going to play? I can’t put (my) hand on (my) heart and tell you honestly where.
“If I had two of him, he’d cover both ends. He’s going to be great for us.”
Rees and Huff won’t be the end of Winchelsea’s recruiting.
Shaw confirmed he will talk with St Mary’s star Ben Moloney about his plans for 2023, with the veteran midfielder now living in the town.
“Ben’s still getting over his pretty serious injury from the grand final,” Shaw said.
“We’ve spoken via text, but nothing in detail; it’s just a coach doing his job.
“In due time, we’ll catch up and have a more in-depth chat.”
Winchelsea, which finished Shaw’s first season in charge with an 8-10 win-loss record, will commence pre-season training in mid-November.
Twitter: @krockfootball
