BIG news coming out of Penola this week sees two of the Western Border Football League’s best running players head north to the Eagles camp, along with another home-grown talent returning to the fold.
South Gambier’s Brad Bryant will wear the Eagles colours next year, along with North Gambier’s Brock Egan, while Brad Merrett will return from Adelaide for Saturday games.
Bryant is one of the Demons best recent players, running well off the half-back through the mid-field to create plenty of opportunities for his side to score.
Egan is a classy mid-fielder, who was also a big on-field leader for the Tigers, while Merrett’s return gives the Eagles another option up forward with the loss of Brodie Foster.
But the two Western Border stars are the big news for the region, as they join former South Gambier player Simon Berkefeld in the Eagles fold.
For coach Matt Tilby it is a pleasing result after plenty of hard work already in the off-season to secure the club’s 2019 playing roster.
“Brad and Brock are really good to add to our list,” he said.
“They are both professional about how they go about their football, their preparation and everything else.
“The are both zone representatives and premiership players, which is really handy to throw in the mix.
“We have some good young fellows coming through, so these guys will help there as well, which is fantastic.”
While it is still early days, Tilby said he expected both to have an impact through the mid-field.
“Brad will be part of on-ball rotations,” he said.
“He is an in-and-under player and will possible run off the half-back-flank.
“Brock will definitely run through the mids.
“His outside run will be fantastic and will really suit the KNT footy league I believe.”
Tilby said Merrett would do a pre-season in the SANFL before returning to play for Penola.
He said the club approached Bryant and Egan, rather than look further north to Adelaide where many KNT clubs draw from.
“The thought of getting a car load of unknowns from Adelaide doesn’t personally appeal to me,” Tilby said.
“I would rather guys from Mount Gambier who can train with us and become part of the Penola footy club, then I think it is a better fit for us.
“With what we do at our footy club, we want it to be sustainable.
“Guys coming from Mount Gambier who can train with us fit the bill for what we are after.”
Tilby also noted the quality of the two Mount Gambier players.
“The quality aspect I’m sure is just as good as what is coming out of Adelaide, so you are not losing out in any way, shape or form,” he said.
“What you also find with these boys is they become part of your footy club and these two are definitely here for the right reasons.
“We are pretty stoked to have them both on board.”
While the two will be a loss for their respective clubs, they will certainly enhance the Eagles’ chances at another premiership flag, after they made the post season in 2018, but fell short of the ultimate prize.
