All GFL, BFL and GDFL player movements ahead of 2023
Barwon Heads has bolstered its premiership-winning side ahead of its title defence, with a GFL team of the year player one of three signings announced.
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BARWON Heads has pulled off a major signing coup, luring forward James Syddall and ruck Luke Davis from South Barwon to join the Seagulls in 2023.
Davis was one of the GFL’s best players, leading the league in hit outs (600) for the season and being named in the team of the year, while Syddall slotted a goal a game in a half forward role.
The pair of Swans will join Barwon Heads for the 2023 season, as will former South Barwon forward Ryley Stuhldreier, who plied his trade for Bacchus Marsh in 2022.
Syddall said the chance to play alongside new Seagulls co-coach Mitch Herbison was a major factor in his decision, but playing under him was a bonus.
“I actually made my decision to move to Barwon Heads before Mitch was announced as a coach for next season,” he said.
“We’re great mates, we’ve followed each other’s footy careers a fair bit and played a bit together in the earlier years, so to get to play together again will be fantastic.
“The move will be a good chance to freshen up, I’ve played seven years of senior footy at South Barwon and I love the club and the people there, but I’m excited for the next chapter.”
Syddall played 103 games and kicked 74 goals in his South Barwon career, and averaged 12.4 disposals, 2.1 inside 50s, 2.1 tackles and a goal a game in 2022.
He said he was in constant contact with Davis about a potential move to South Barwon in 2023.
“We’re best mates, we were keen to keep playing footy together,” he said.
“Towards the end of the year I made the decision, it was hard to leave after the last few rounds because we were playing good footy and we had just beaten Colac.
“Even if Luke had gone and I stayed, or the other way round, we would’ve been great mates still, but for us to both go is really exciting.
“It’s nice to go to a club that is having success and is in a position to compete, but that’s not the reason I wanted to join them.”
Davis was the GFL’s best ruck in 2022 and led the league in hit outs with 40 hit outs per game across 17 games.
He said in a club statement that he “looked forward” to returning to his junior club.
“Coming back to play at my junior club has always been something I’ve looked forward to,” Davis said.
“I’ve loved my time at South Barwon and made connections with people for life, and I thank them for the opportunities I’ve had.
“I’m now super keen to give back to Barwon Heads and get stuck into season 2023.”
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Originally published as All GFL, BFL and GDFL player movements ahead of 2023
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