Inverleigh signs James Hussey from South Warrnambool, will play star midfielder in premiership chase

Inverleigh coach Adam Donohue has revealed how it convinced a former Newcomb star and league best-and-fairest winner to sign ahead of 2023.

James Hussey - BFL: Newcomb v Queenscliff at Grinter Reserve. Picture: Stephen Harman

Inverleigh coach Adam Donohue has revealed how he convinced prized new recruit James Hussey to make the move to the Hawks ahead of 2023.

Hussey played at Newcomb until —, when he started plying his trade as an inside midfielder for South Warrnambool, winning the league best-and-fairest, the Maskell Medal, in 2017.

Donohue said Hussey would add serious talent to an already-strong list, but the midfielder making the move for team success over individual accolades.

James Hussey will play for Inverleigh in 2023. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

“He’s coming to us in a similar situation to what we’re in, he’s lost a couple of grand finals and he’s really chasing that premiership,” he said.

“We’ve obviously come close and lost, and we’re in that window to win now and that was definitely part of our pitch to him.

“He lives in Geelong and made the trek down each week, so playing footy a bit closer to home is a bit easier for him, but I think we ticked those boxes for him.”

Hussey kicked 13 goals from 13 games in 2022, with the Roosters finishing second on the ladder with just two losses from 18 games.

But South Warrnambool fell short of a grand final by 11 points, prompting Hussey to look elsewhere for 2023.

Hussey played for Newcomb before moving to South Warrnambool. Picture: Stephen Harman

Donohue said Hussey was a “fantastic” midfielder, but he was not sure where he would play to start next season.

“We know he’s a seriously good footballer and can win plenty of the ball, but we’re open to playing him in a few different roles,” he said.

“He might find himself on a half forward or half back line to start the season, and as he builds into the year he’ll start getting more midfield time.

“But we’re in a spot where we’re happy for guys to come in and contribute, and James will definitely do that.”

Hussey will be the fifth new signing for the Hawks in 2023, with Mitch Bartlett (Bannockburn), Lewis Delorenzo (Colac), Brayden Warren (Queenscliff) and Josh Pethybridge (Golden Square) already arriving at the club.

Originally published as Inverleigh signs James Hussey from South Warrnambool, will play star midfielder in premiership chase