Glenorchy ace set to fly KGV nest and sign with TSL arch rivals Clarence

The Glenorchy-Clarence TSL rivalry appears set to reignite in 2021 with a star Magpie onballer on the verge of making a switch to the Roos, as the Pies land a former Collingwood rookie.

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A DECADE after Jake Cox crossed to the dark side and swapped Glenorchy’s black and white stripes for Clarence’s red and white, another star Pie looks set to make a similar switch.

Cox’s defection to arch rivals the Roos in late 2011 further entrenched the bitter rivalry between the two clubs and the 2021 season will have just as much spice with Mitch Rainbird on the verge of signing at Clarence.

It is believed the talented utility, who transformed himself from livewire forward into one of the premier midfielders in the TSL last year, has informed Pies coach Paul Kennedy of his intention to leave KGV.

Mitch Rainbird has told Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy is will be making the move to TSL rivals Clarence Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Rainbird has played more than 100 games at Glenorchy, including 78 senior appearances, kicking 77 goals.

Last year he was named in the best players in five of his eight games.

Both Kennedy and Clarence coach Jeromey Webberley declined to comment on the move.

The pending loss of Rainbird for the Pies has been softened by the recruitment of a former Collingwood listed rookie.

Darrean Wyatt, a 203cm utility, spent 2016 on Collingwood’s rookie list. He then spent time at Frankston and Coburg in the VFL, where he was coached by Kennedy.

““What Darrean brings to the table is size, athleticism and versatility,” Kennedy told Glenorchy’s website.

“We have a very mobile group of key position players and Darrean adds really nicely to that mix, and he will certainly make our team more adaptable.

Former Collingwood Magpies rookie Darrean Wyatt has signed with Glenorchy (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

“In the VFL he played forward, back and in the middle, and that versatility is very nice for the coaching staff to have at our disposal.

“Due to his height and athleticism, he played on some of the best young key position players on AFL lists while in the VFL, so he is used to taking on high-level opponents.”

The 28-year-old, who also played college basketball in America for Coastal Georgia, will move to Hobart later this month.

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