Former Geelong West Giant Baxter Mensch has joined Torquay in BFL

Torquay has strengthened its chances at a premiership in 2023 after adding a former GFL team of the year midfielder mid-season.

Baxter Mensch of Palmerston Magpies against Darwin Buffaloes in the 2022-23 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

Torquay coach Dom Gleeson believes an early-season recruit will be a key to getting over the grand final hump in the BFL.

The Tigers landed former GFL star Baxter Mensch, who previously played for Torquay in 2021 before his third-placed finish in the Mathieson Medal last season for Geelong West.

Gleeson said Mensch, who had committed to playing for Broadbeach and Southport before returning home and agreeing to play for Torquay in 2023, was a massive inclusion.

“He got a bit homesick up there, had some issues up at Broady and Southport, so he reached out to us purely because he’d been with us before,” he said.

“He’s got a number of close mates with us, and understanding all of our coaches and culture made it an easy move for him, and we’ve welcomed him back with open arms.

Baxter Mensch played for Palmerston in the NTFL. Picture: Celina Whan

“He slotted straight into our midfield, we were really eager to rush him back and get him back involved, he needs football in his life but a bit more balance too.”

Mensch slotted straight into the Tigers side, helping steer the group to a 17.11 (113) to 8.4 (52) victory against Modewarre, adding another string to Torquay’s dominant midfield bow that already includes four-time Les Ash medallist James Darke and former AFL-listed player Charlie Ham.

Gleeson said the Tigers were ready to challenge for a premiership again in 2023 after losing the grand final to Barwon Heads last season.

“Baxter is going to be incredible for us, our coaching group did speak a bit about him coming in when he reached out because we were really keen to retain our young guys and give them opportunities,” he said.

Mensch polled 21 votes in the 2022 Mathieson Medal count.

“But it’s a long season, everyone’s going to get their chances to play plenty of footy with injuries and things to come.

“We’ve had a really consistent output from everyone so far this season, we’re really excited where this group can take us and I couldn’t be happier with the group I’m coaching.

“Weylin Doyle is a player coaches dream of having, you can throw him anywhere and he does a job and he’s been great for us so far this year.

Mensch is making a return to Torquay, where he played in 2021. Picture: Alan Barber

“Every time Charlie (Ham) goes near the ball something happens, and that’s something you expect coming from his footy background, but to see him enjoying his footy is great.

“I really don’t know if we will have him long-term, but all I know is he’s turning up to every session, buying into everything we’re doing.

“We’ve finally got our hands on this great group that I think we can very much go deep.”

Originally published as Former Geelong West Giant Baxter Mensch has joined Torquay in BFL