Hurstbridge secures experienced midfielder to help replace Brayden Shaw
Hurstbridge believes experienced midfielder Rohan Davies can help fill the void left by Brayden Shaw, while spearhead Cameron Cloke is set to take on an assistant coaching role in 2020.
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Hurstbridge believes it has found its midfield replacement for Brayden Shaw, while Cameron Cloke has taken on a coaching role for 2020.
Mernda premiership captain Rohan Davies has returned to the Northern Football League from Ovens and Murray club Corowa-Rutherglen.
The star midfielder has a rich history in the competition having led the Demons to the 2012 NFL Division 3 flag and claiming two NFL league best-and-fairests (Division 2 2013, Division 3 2012).
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Shaw was forced into retirement after being knocked out in Round 1 this season and Bridges coach Jarrod Tilley said Davies was the perfect fit for the Division 1 outfit.
“(Brayden’s) career came to an abrupt end this year, so Rohan’s got some big shoes to fill, but he’ll go a long way to filling the void,” Tilley said.
“We’ve got multiple guys that can go through (the midfield), but they’re lighter body types and we needed a bigger body to look after them and give a bit of protection.
“He’s obviously an inside onballer – great around the stoppages – so he’ll be a good fit for us, especially on our ground.
“He’s mates with Cameron Cloke, so he planted the seed and it’s all planned out from there.”
The Bridges surprised many with a solid Division 1 season, remaining in finals contention until late in the campaign.
The arrival of Cloke mid-season was a huge boost and the spearhead will take on an assistant coaching role at Ben Frilay Oval in 2020.
“Cam’s come on board as an assistant coach, helping out with the forward line,” Tilley confirmed.
“We’ve got a really high-credentialed coaching line-up with Ben Shelton looking after the defence, Brayden taking the midfield and Cam the forwards.”
Davies joins VFL-listed Tyson Old (Northcote Park), Jack Stewart (Laurimar) and Tom Grimes (Warrandtye) as off-season recruits.
Tilley was particularly thrilled to have Grimes return to the club after a year playing with his brothers in the Eastern league.
“He was rapt he got to do that, it’s something they might never get to do again,” he said.
“He’s a Hurstbridge boy, so he’s come straight back. He’s a quality player and a quality person to have around the club.”
For all the latest news from the Northern Football League and other suburban competitions over the off-season, log on to localfooty.com.au