FORMER Torquay star Scott Hughes has returned to the Bellarine League for the first time in six years and will link up with Modewarre.
A two-time century goalkicker in 2012-13, Hughes has played with Nhill and Daylesford since departing the Tigers following their 2017 grand final win over Geelong Amateur.
The 32-year-old has landed at Moriac through a link with former Warriors star Mark Hovey.
Co-coach Chris Carlon is confident Hughes, who has also had stints at St Mary’s and in Cairns, will be a handy addition to an already potent Modewarre forward line.
“With Tom (Hornsey), Connor Joseph and Tom Worpel, to add him in as well is just that extra X factor and strength around the footy that will hopefully get across the line in those big games,” Carlon said.
“He’s known for being a stay-at-home forward, but he’s happy to get up the ground and do a little bit of work.
“But, we’d be silly to move him too far from goal.”
Carlon also revealed former Leopold and Thomson utility Jayden Exell had joined last year’s semi-finalists.
“He’s going to be a great acquisition for the club,” Carlon said.
“Having coached against him when he was at Leopold, he’ll be a solid defender for us.
“We can swing him wherever, but I feel continuity for him and his football is something we can offer.”
Fletcher Joseph (Newcomb) is also a confirmed arrival, while Jack Beardsell (East Geelong), Doug Beames and Lachie Warburton, who have returned home to Woorinen, are the only departures.
Modewarre will meet Hampden League club Camperdown and expected GDFNL improver North Geelong in practice matches before a Round 1 trip to Queenscliff.
It starts a testing opening month for the Warriors, who also face fellow finalists Geelong Amateur, runner-up Torquay and reigning premier Barwon Heads before the end of April.
“It’s probably no better way to start,” Carlon said.
“We’re not going to shy away from the fact we couldn’t quite get it done against the sides above us last year.
“To get a good gauge early, and understand where we are and what we need to work on early, will set us up for a good season, I hope.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
