RDFL 2019: Wallan signs North Bendigo premiership player Sean Morris to bolster flag bid
WALLAN has raided the Heathcote District league for a second time this off-season to add premiership experience to its list.
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WALLAN has raided the Heathcote District league for a second time this off-season to add premiership experience to its list.
The Magpies have signed dual North Bendigo premiership player Sean Morris, a dynamic forward-midfielder who has played in four consecutive grand finals.
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Morris has kicked 106 goals in 69 games for North Bendigo in the past four years and featured for the HDFL interleague side.
“That’s what we want, to bring that big-game experience,” Wallan coach Daniel Nolan said. “The thing about Sean is he kicks goals against good teams throughout the year as well. I think he will really play a role for us up forward.”
Morris came with a glowing reference from star Wallan recruit Matt Perri, who he played against in the past four HDFL deciders.
“They have been arch rivals for the last four or five years and now they have almost turned best friends,” Nolan said.
“They both played in the representative games this year for the Heathcote District league and live around the corner from each other.
“Having those two as close friends, in a role where they can work with each other, (they) both bring that finals experience and that’s what we are looking for.”
Nolan hopes Perri, who has crossed from Leitchville-Gunbower, will form a lethal one-two punch inside 50 for the Magpies.
“Sean brings premiership experience, which is what we are building towards,” Nolan said.
Wallan will enter its 18th season without a finals victory next year, a drought Nolan is hellbent in ending.
“Last season we showed we are more than capable, being top-two for 90 per cent of the year,” he said.
“We beat Rupo, Diggers, Riddell, throughout the year.
“But it’s about doing it come finals time and that is why we have looked at being really specific with who we do recruit.”
Experienced campaigner Brendon Meroli, another player with premiership experience, has also signed on.
Wallan is in negotiations with a ruckman as it plans to bolster its big-man stocks.
The Magpies finished fourth this year with a 12-6 record, bowing out of finals in the opening week against Macedon.
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