Delisted Geelong rookie Osca Riccardi will call Bell Park home when not required by the Cats’ VFL team in 2024.
Despite being let go by Geelong after just one season, he will remain at GMHBA Stadium in the club’s state league program, hoping to earn another AFL chance in 2025.
Dragons coach James Saker, who had Riccardi’s dad, Cats great Peter, as an assistant coach in 2023, says the former Newtown & Chilwell junior will be a welcome addition when available.
“It’s great for us, and that was helped by the relationship we’ve had with Peter,” Saker said.
“He (Osca) fits the mould of this young, emerging group.
“If we see him three, four, five times – who knows – he’ll add something for us, that’s for sure.”
Riccardi’s signing follows the addition of South Warrnambool ruck Ollie Bridgewater.
A member of the Roosters’ premiership team, Bridgewater represented the Hampden League under-23 team against Ballarat.
“For us to be able to secure a guy like that … he’s really young, so he’s still got plenty of upside,” Saker said.
“He’s a ripper kid who presented really well, and we’re really grateful that he’s been able to see the message we’ve been speaking to him about.
“He’s going to play a big role for us. None of the guys that went through the ruck this year would call themselves recognised ruckmen, probably fair to say.
“We have a great group of guys who can support Ollie as a second ruck/forward.
“And Ollie, himself, can probably go forward and take a mark, too, for us.”
After two seasons at Geelong VFL, Ben Lloyd was last month confirmed as returning to Hi Sushi Oval permanently as a playing assistant coach.
Saker confirmed Ben Worme will also step away from his VFL commitments, while Fraser Marris will be like a recruit after playing four games in 2022 and none last season due to injury.
“We’re still doing a bit of work behind the scenes,” he said.
“But, to lock in a ruckman and be bolstered by a couple of names we get back on a full-time basis puts us in good stead at this stage of the campaign.”
Jackson Sheringham (retired) is the only confirmed departure, with Toby Mahony and Jack Fischer, who are working their way back from serious knee injuries, yet to decide what 2024 holds for them.
