MPNFL: Crib Point signs Mornington player Warwick Miller

Crib Point has netted its first big signing of the off-season, with a former VFL vice-captain and MPNFL best and fairest winner jumping on board.

Warwick Miller takes a mark for Frankston against Port Melbourne in the VFL.

It’s Miller time at Crib Point.

The Magpies have signed experienced Mornington player Warwick Miller as a playing-assistant coach for 2022.

He will boost Crib’s young side as a key forward or back — and provide good tactical nous as an assistant coach.

Miller and Crib Point’s new coach Andrew Gilmour started their football journeys together in Red Hill’s under-10s.

Two decades later they will work closely to help a young and talented Crib Point list make the jump from the lower rungs of the MPNFL Division 2 ladder.

Crib Point coach Andrew Gilmour welcomes recruit Warwick Miller. Picture: Facebook

Gilmour said it was fantastic to link up together once again.

“It’s nearly 30 years…I’m 37 and he’s nearly 36, so it would have been 25 years ago playing footy together,’’ Gilmour said.

“He’s going to be phenomenal. He’s going to bring that on field leadership. We’ve got some of it but with a young list we need a bit more of it on field. He’s played at all the high levels except AFL, basically.

“So, yeah, he’s going to be good, tactically, strategically and just as a strong leader and a good communicator. He’s got the teaching background. He’s a cop now but he’s a teacher originally.

“The two of us a forging a bit of a duo of hopefully good communicators, with strong feedback along the way.’’

Gilmour is eager to build on foundations put down Steve Hamill.

Miller, a versatile mobile tall, boasts an impressive playing record.

He was a member of Rosebud’s 2007 premiership and was runner-up in the Buds’ ‘08 best and fairest award.

He had four seasons with Frankston Dolphins in the VFL from 2009-12, and was club vice-captain.

Miller playing in Rosebud’s 2007 flag win.

Miller marks in front of Box Hill's Sam Gibson.

For the past nine seasons Miller has been a key player for Mornington, where he won a senior best and fairest in 2016.

He was a member of the MPNFL team of the year from 2014-17 and also captained the MPNFL interleague side.

Gilmour said Miller would be the first of hopefully more recruits.

“We’re aiming for a good midfield leader,’’ he said.

“We’ve got good mids but we just need that really strong, absolute gun midfielder to help out. “We’ve contacted a few and just waiting to hear back.

“Wazza’s put me on to a few straight away…that’s one of the strengths of having him on board, too, his connections through all of his football.’’

Gilmour has taken the coaching reins after serving as Hamill’s assistant.

Crib Point is in good shape off the field and has a raft of talented youngsters.

It’s recruiting plan was to add quality, experienced players in the off season. The Magpies are off to a good start.