Ex-AFL big man Tom Bellchambers lodges clearance to join local footy club

It’s taken a few months but pre-season rumours surrounding former Essendon big man Tom Bellchambers joining a local footy power club are true.

Tom Bellchambers battles Mark Pittonet in the ruck.

Former Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers is set to join the Northern Football League.

Pre-season rumours linking Bellchambers to Heidelberg have proved correct after he lodged a clearance to the NFL Division 1 club on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old, 201cm big man played 136 games for the Bombers before retiring at the end of last season.

His availability for Heidelberg will depend on his work as Essendon ruck coach but the Tigers hopes to get him for several home-and-away games and finals.

Heidelberg coach Danny Nolan hoped to see him in yellow and black as early as Round 13.

Tom Bellchambers battles Jarrod Witts. Picture: Michael Klein

“He’s always been keen to play but his commitments at Essendon have held him back,” Nolan said.

“He’s best friends with Rigga (Marcus Marigliani), a 2016 premiership hero of ours, so he’s put in a good word for Heidelberg.

“We’re hoping to get him for the remaining games depending on Essendon’s draw, we understand his first commitment is his assistant coaching role.

“We probably would have got him a while ago but they’ve had away games and that sort of stuff.

“(A potential AFL lockdown) is a big one too, that’s why it’s all a little bit up in the air but we’re hoping the cards fall our way.”

Bellchambers lodged a clearance from Northern Tasmania Football League club St Patrick’s, although he didn’t play a game for the club this season.

Tom Bellchambers after announcing his retirement, Picture: Michael Klein

Capable of playing forward or in midfield, Bellchambers will form arguably the best big man combination in the league with Tigers skipper Sam Gilmore.

Nolan was looking forward to partnership the two together.

“(Rucks) certainly don’t fall off trees and certainly not in June, so we’re certainly excited,” he said.

“Trying to man up on both of them will scare a few ruckman around the competition I would think.

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“Sammy has been going pretty well up forward as well, he kicked four the week before, he’s been playing about 50 per cent game time up there so we’ll swing them both through there.”

It’s a massive boost to Heidelberg’s premiership chances.

The Tigers are sitting second on the ladder on percentage, equal on six wins with Bundoora, Greensborough and North Heidelberg.

Will Goss and Matt Schnerring are nearing returns while Nathan Honey is currently with Northern Bullants in the VFL.

Heidelberg faces the Bulls on Saturday in a blockbuster clash at Warringal Reserve.