Geelong Amateur co-coach Riley Kershaw believes the return of Mitch Day and Dan Weigl to the club will provide some welcome balance to the line up after their 2024 campaign failed to live up to expectations.
The star Lara pair put pen to paper on deals with Ammos last (Wednesday) night, with Weigl’s signature coming 24 hours after being named in the GFNL Team of the Year for a second consecutive season.
It follows the announcement of the arrival of former Richmond and Western Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd as co-coach earlier this week.
“I think it’s about balance,” Kershaw. “We had the clientele there at times, but sometimes our balance wasn’t fluid.
“These two are the guys we’re looking to build a spine around.
“And not only are they good people on field, but they’re ripping people off field.
“Every footy club tries to promote it. But, essentially, Sam (Lloyd) and I have discussed we’re really keen to get good people through the doors.”
Day, 34, is back for a second senior stint at KFC Oval, having played a key role in two flags in his first two seasons of a five-year stay between 2015-19.
During that time, he kicked 378 goals in 85 games, won the Les Ash Medal, and represented the Bellarine in interleague competition.
Weigl, 30, was a junior at Geelong Amateur before joining Lara as a teenager.
He played 121 games at the Cats, as well as making seven Geelong VFL appearances in 2022.
In a further bonus for Ammos, Weigl is expected to be a one-pointer as a result of his junior appearances.
“We’re trying to create an environment where we can attract one-pointers back,” Kershaw said.
“You’ve got to create that space that they feel comfortable coming home.”
With Lloyd, Day and Weigl on board and minimal departures – ruckman Nick Nott is likely to retire – expected for next season, Kershaw says Geelong Amateur won’t be pushing hard for more recruits.
“Our issue this year wasn’t our list – there were other things,” he said.
“I don’t think we’ll be doing a significant amount of recruiting this off-season.
“We’re looking to attract those guys who may have gone elsewhere, but I don’t think you’ll see a super amount of activity from us going forward.”
X: @krockfootball
