TALENTED Grovedale forward Tom Gillett will take his prodigious talents to the West Australian goldfields this year.
The Tigers confirmed the 19-year-old key forward has joined Boulder City for the 2023 season – but are hoping to see him back at Burdoo Reserve next year.
“He’s gone with our best wishes, and he’s fully explained why he’s done it, and we’ve absolutely supported Tom in doing that,” Grovedale coach Daniel Fraser said.
“He’s got a job. (And) he’s got an opportunity from a lifestyle point-of-view to set himself up.”
“But, we expect him to be back in 2024. He loves the Grovey footy club, so I don’t expect his departure to be for too long.”
Gillett burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old during the COVID-19-interrupted 2021 season, kicking 42 goals in nine games, which earned him GFNL Rookie of the Year honours and a call-up to the Geelong Falcons.
In an injury-impacted 2022, he played five games and kicked 17 goals for the Falcons and made just three senior appearances for Grovedale.
Gillett, who has joined former South Barwon and St Albans star Andy Higgins as Boulder City signings, was also named on Geelong’s AFL Covid contingency list.
He underwent off-season shoulder and foot surgeries but is expected to play in his new club’s opening-round match.
“Last year was a tough one for me, especially with the surgeries,” Gillett told the Kalgoorlie Miner last month.
“But everything feels good now.
“It’s only been a few weeks of proper running, and I’m probably still a month or so away from full (scale) training, but I’ll be fine for Round 1.”
Gillett’s departure is a further blow for the Grovedale forward line, with 2022 leading goalkicker Flynn Young crossing to GFNL rivals Newtown & Chilwell.
Young kicked 31 goals in his lone season at Burdoo Reserve and will be forever remembered for a goal after the siren to beat Leopold at Memorial Park.
“We’re disappointed to lose Flynn,” Fraser said. “Hopefully it all works out for him.”
Grovedale has practice matches against Bellarine powerhouse Torquay, Williamstown CYMS (VAFA) and Darley (Ballarat League) scheduled ahead of its Round 1 John Nankervis Shield meeting with South Barwon at McDonald Reserve.
Twitter: @krockfootball
