Andrew Boseley says a change in circumstances that allows him to devote more time to playing at GFNL level, coupled with the desire to play in a premiership with his home club, was behind his decision to return to South Barwon.
The reigning GDFNL leading goalkicker, the 33-year-old kicked 73 goals in his second season with Anakie, helping the Roos to their first finals appearance in 27 years.
He revealed that he was weighing up several offers for 2026, including one from Bellarine league club Ocean Grove, before deciding to head back to McDonald Reserve.
“When I left a couple of years ago, I was living in Melbourne, and it was a pretty hard decision to leave at that time,” Boseley said.
“But commuting back and forth from Melbourne, I just couldn’t commit to the program anymore.
“Living back in Geelong, the body feels pretty good; they’re obviously up towards the top of the ladder, and I just felt I want to finish maybe my time in the red, white, and blue.
“I love my time at Anakie, but I just felt like I wanted to have one last crack at trying to win some silverware.
“To be able to commit to the program, and being back in Geelong was probably the main catalyst to be able to do it because I do miss being in those colours and playing with those boys.”
Boseley admits it was tough telling Anakie coach – and former housemate Jayke Mawson – his time on De Motts Road was over.
“It was one of the more harder conversations I had to have just because of how close we are and we’re building something special out there,” Boseley said.
But he knows deep down what motivates me, and he was really good about it, to be fair.
“I think he probably had an inkling that might have been on the cards because I do speak quite a bit as a friend, not just as a coach.
“A difficult decision to be made, and I wish them all the best
“But, the burning desire to go back to the Swans was just too hard to refuse.”
South Barwon missed the finals for the first time under coach Mark Neeld despite posting 12 wins and a draw.
However, the Swans were arguably the form team of the competition, and would have fancied themselves at making a St Mary’s-style run through September.
The return of Boseley further strengthens a forward line already featuring Mathieson medallists Matt Caldow and Fraser Fort.
“The team hasn’t changed too much from a couple of years ago,” he said.
“They’ve brought in a few young guys and a bit of talent as well, which is always pleasing; it just naturally will happen.
“But, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with some familiar faces.
“I got a few messages from the boys over the weekend.”
Boseley’s last outing for South Barwon was the 2023 grand final loss to Leopold, in which he made his 100th senior appearance for the club.
In those 100 games, he kicked 238 goals, including winning the GFNL goalkicking in 2019.
X: @krockfootball
