AFL 2019: Tom Bell reveals why he spurned other offers to join Northern Football League club Greensborough

Tom Bell had no shortage of suitors when his AFL career came to an end after 72 games last year. Here’s why the former Carlton and Brisbane Lions midfielder chose Greensborough.

Tom Bell gets a kick away for Brisbane Lions. Picture: Sarah Reed

Prized recruit Tom Bell says Greensborough’s insatiable appetite for success convinced him to spurn other offers and sign with the Northern Football League club.

The 27-year-old, who played 72 AFL games during a seven-year career with Carlton and Brisbane Lions, has been one of the marquee signings in suburban football this off-season.

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Originally from Queensland, Bell had no shortage of suitors when he was delisted at the end of the 2018 season by Brisbane.

Tom Bell (left) jostles with Ben Fennell during pre-season at Greensborough. Picture: Nathan McNeill

The goalkicking midfielder had been set on returning to Melbourne when his AFL career ended and was unveiled as a Boro player in January.

“The culture that Greensborough has was something I was very keen to be a part of,” Bell said.

“My last few years in the AFL system, they haven’t been my best. I was hampered by impact injuries.

“I broke my leg, did my ankle, I tore my meniscus twice. They’re all things that weren’t because I wasn’t professional.

“They’re just impact injuries which were annoying. Being stuck in rehab isn’t the most enjoyable place.

“I wanted to come to a club that has a good culture, they win football games and potentially (would be) pushing for that elusive premiership that I think the boys are incredibly close to.”

Tom Bell brings down a mark during a Brisbane intraclub match. Picture: Jono Searle

Tom Bell celebrates a goal during his time with Carlton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Bell has inked a two-year deal with Greensborough and will serve as a playing assistant coach under senior mentor Mick Harford.

The Boro will have one of the most dynamic midfields in the NFL this year, headlined by Bell, Ben Fennell, Charlie Molyneux and skipper Chris Clark.

Tom Bell takes part in pre-season training at Greensborough. Picture: Nathan McNeill

“There’s things you can pick up, learning from people that I got to play with along the track, Chris Judd, Luke Hodge, Tom Rockliff, guys like that.

“If I can relay a little bit of that onto the guys to help them get that little bit better, I am more than happy to do so.

“I think a starting point for me will be going back to Greensborough, really starting to enjoy my footy. The rest will take care of itself.

“Before you know it I will hopefully be playing good footy because I am enjoying it.”

The Boro won their most recent Division 1 premiership in 2014 and Bell said he was buoyed by the club’s drive to return to the top.

“That’s the kind of group and culture I want to be a part of,” he said.

“You can see the boys are filthy that last year they got knocked out early and they want to go better.”

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