Boe Collins joins the Costello and Flaccavento brothers in signing for Bell Post Hill FC in 2023

Two sets of brothers and a Whitley Medal contender have signed on for Bell Post Hill in 2023, with the Panthers set to contend for the GDFL flag next season.

Football GDFL: East Geelong v Bell Post Hill. Bell Post Hill 15 Nick Costello kicks a goal and celebrates Picture: Mark Wilson

A FEW phone calls from Panthers veteran Nick Costello was enough to convince his brothers to join the club for the 2023 season.

Bell Post Hill announced that Adam and Scott Costello were signing on to play next season, joining Nick at the club.

The brothers were not the only signing in a busy period for the club, confirming the return of Boe Collins.

Collins spent 2022 playing for North Cairns, playing 15 games and earning North Queensland representation.

Boe Collins of the North Cairns Tigers. Picture: Harry Murtough

Panthers coach Justin Tarr said he was eager to add depth to a squad that was ready to contend for a flag.

“Nick was the real driver of getting Adam and Scott on board, as well as his mum too I think,” he said.

“Adam obviously played at Bell Park last season and she would split her time between the two clubs, so I think having all of the brothers at the same club will help her out a bit.

“Nick is 34 now and he’s not sure how many more years of footy he’s got left, he’s never played with Scott so that was a big factor for getting them over the line.

“Boe was another great one to get in too, he’ll add some serious talent to our list.”

Boe Collins of the North Cairns Tigers. Picture: Harry Murtough

It was not the only brother pairing the club announced, with Nick Flaccavento joining his older brother Jordan at Bell Post Hill.

Tarr said the club had been busy improving its depth, with “an average of about 15 players” missing each week in 2022.

“We had a bit of Covid last year, all clubs did though so we just had to deal with it the same,” he said.

“But we also had four broken bones in three weeks and they were all done for the year.

GDFL: Inverleigh v Bell Post Hill. No 15. Nick Costello for Bell Post Hill.

“The area we looked at was more the depth and improving that, we want really strong senior and reserve sides.

“Nick will add some really good depth to our key defensive stocks, he can also play ruck so we’ve got good versatility there.

“I haven’t promised him games in the seniors, but there is an expectation that he’ll play a fair bit of footy there for us if he puts in the work.

“On top of that, we’ve managed to keep pretty much everyone from last year, so our squad is really strong and we’re excited to challenge for a premiership again.”

Originally published as Boe Collins joins the Costello and Flaccavento brothers in signing for Bell Post Hill FC in 2023