St Mary’s loses another player to Bellarine in Dion Johnstone but lands Lara ball-magnet Bayley Cockerill

It is mixed news for a GFNL contender, losing a former AFL player but landing one of the top midfielders in the competition from a rival club.

Dion Johnstone is heading to Newcomb. Picture: Mark Wilson

St Mary’s has lost a former AFL player Dion Johnstone but has landed prolific midfielder Bayley Cockerill as its eventful off-season continues.

The Saints confirmed on Tuesday night it had secured Lara ball-winner Bayley Cockerill after Newcomb announced it had swooped on the ex-St Mary’s and Melbourne listed goalkicker.

Johnstone, who spent two years on the Demons’ list from 2017-18, is the latest Saint to join the Bellarine after two-time premiership star Damian McMahon was signed by Barwon Heads.

The helmet-headed forward booted 20 goals in 16 senior gams this season,

Cockerill will help bolster the Saints’ midfield which has lost Kade Chalcraft to his home club Shepparton United and McMahon.

The Geelong Falcons graduate was top three in the GFNL for disposals, contested possessions, inside 50s and clearances, averaging a formidable 117 Premier Data ranking points per game.

Cockerill is the latest star to depart Lara following the departures of interceptor Dan Weigl and goalkicker Mitch Day to Geelong Amateur.

Originally published as St Mary’s loses another player to Bellarine in Dion Johnstone but lands Lara ball-magnet Bayley Cockerill