Former AFL ruckman with 136 games of experiences joins Southern league contender

An ex-AFL ruckman has decided to link up with a former teammate at a Southern league contender just days out from the season opener. Here are the details.

Tom Bellchambers is back in local footy. Pic: Michael Klein

Ex-Essendon big man Tom Bellchambers is set for the Southern league.

The pre-season murmurs are true with Bellchambers joining former teammate Michael Hibberd at Port Melbourne Colts.

Bellchambers, 34, played 136 AFL games at the Bombers between 2008 and 2020.

The 201cm ruckman won’t be a stranger to local footy having already played for Northern league power Heidelberg in 2021.

He then made his professional boxing debut in 2023, knocking out fellow former footballer Cameron Mooney.

The addition of Bellchambers will be a boost for Port Melbourne Colts after forward Chan Hargraves recently suffered a nasty calf strain that will sideline him for eight weeks.

Tom Bellchambers. Pic: Michael Klein

Hibberd hinted he would be in the ear of some former teammates when he signed in January.

“I have a few contacts and mates that are aligned to the club … it might be an opportunity to bring a couple of mates I haven’t played with in years over,” he said.

The Colts credit club stalwart Jack Love for his role in landing Hibberd and Bellchambers.

Port Melbourne Colts faces Chelsea Heights in round 1 on Saturday, April 6.