Outer East: Belgrave re-signs coach, adds key names ahead of 2021
Two former Dandenong Stingrays are among the new faces at AFL Outer East Division 1 club Belgrave, while a host of key names have re-signed as it prepares for season 2021.
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AFL Outer East Division 1 outfit Belgrave has shored up its list ahead of 2021 with the addition of key names among a host of re-signings.
The Magpies finished seventh last season with a 2-14 record in coach Nathan Johns’ first season at the helm, who has put pen to paper for a further to years.
The club has signed two-time Berwick premiership player and former Dandenong Stingray Reece Piper, who joined Koo Wee Rup for what was meant to be season 2020. Johns said Piper would add further grunt to the midfield as well as across half-back.
“I was heavily into Reece at the end of 2019, and I’ve known Reece for a while - I knew what his football capabilities were and we were one of the last three teams that he was talking to (at the end of 2019).
“He probably will play more of an inside-mid role with us, but obviously he does do a fair bit of his best work off half-back.”
The back six is set to be bolstered by the inclusion of Ricky Bevan who crosses from EFL Division 3 club the Whitehorse Pioneers, linking up with brother Cory who is set to serve as senior assistant and backline coach. Ricky is a former Dandenong Stingray, having played at the under-18 talent pathway club from 2010-11.
“Belgrave are now up to that point where we’re going into our third pre-season, we understand what’s required of our system and I took the onus of bringing more coaches in,” Johns said.
“I reached out to Cory Bevan who’s his twin brother who was my assistant coach back in 2011-12 at Pakenham, and I know a lot about Rick … and I asked what Rick was doing, I’ve always loved the way he went about his footy.
“He’s always had that never-say-die attitude and he hates to lose … I think the boys will walk taller with Rick out on the ground.”
Meanwhile, small forward Harry Paul is set to add pace to the line-up after crossing from Nar Nar Goon where he was set to play in 2020, having spent the previous two seasons with Premier club Beaconsfield.
“I pride myself on being able to develop younger blokes and putting a lot of time in, not just in our program at Belgrave but away from footy in terms of developing them as an individual and trying to get them to play the highest level possible - I really think I can pay dividends for his footy going forward,” Johns said.
Leading goalkicker Josh Richmond has re-signed, along with key names Dan Noy, Robbie Matthews and Blair Smith among those recommitted, which Johns says has been “99 per cent” of the squad.
“There’s 33 blokes at the club that are capable of playing senior footy now, which are fighting for 22 spots,” Johns said.
“That gives you depth, continuity among your group and challenges that the players throw at the coaching staff which is what you want to have.
“Everyone can see we’re on the right path and we’re a place that people want to come to.
“We’ve still got a long way to go but we’re a young side now with an average age now of 25.
“The boys are chewing at the bit to get back out there.”