Reigning Bellarine runner-up Anglesea has landed two crucial recruiting blows that will help its quest to end a 26-year premiership drought in 2025.
The Roos have added Leopold intercept defender Tev Nofi and St Mary’s half-back Harry Ling over the weekend.
A link to coach Jordan Keras helped land Nofi, who is no stranger to the Bellarine, having spent three seasons with Drysdale before returning to the Lions.
“I used to treat Tev in my physio clinic, then Tev did my joinery for my house build in Moggs (Creek),” Keras said.
“I said to ‘Buddha’ (Garry) Hocking a few years ago, ‘Gee, there’s this good player at Drysdale, and I think you need to go after him; I know him well, (and) I can pass on his number.
“Got him to Leopold for Buddha, and I said to Buddha and Tev, “When Buddha’s done, you owe me back at Anglesea”.
“When Buddha hung up the boots, I decided to ask Tev about that deal, and he’s honoured it.”
After a couple of previous attempts to have Ling in an Anglesea jumper, Keras has got his man.
“We’re rapt to have him,” Keras said. “It’s one thing about getting a good player, but it’s another thing about getting a good person.
“Everyone that knows ‘Lingy’ knows he is one the best blokes you’ll ever meet and one of the better teammates you’ll find.
“We’ve been after him for a couple of years, and there’s a connection with Harrison Veale at the club, with Lingy dating his sister, and he’s always been down around the (Surf) Coast.”
Anglesea has also added Ryan Baker (Gisborne) and St Joseph’s forward Ayden Gras, who won the GFNL reserve grade goal-kicking title in 2024.
“Our forward line is something we’re looking to shape a bit differently,” Keras said.
“It was obvious to see we didn’t have enough guys contribute on the scoreboard, especially a bigger target.
“Ayden’s a player who kicks goals and always has kicked goals.
“We think he’s a bit of a diamond in the rough, to be honest; a player that’s going to be a really good Bellarine player.
Baker is the brother of current Roo Jack.
He played Talent League with the Calder Cannons in 2016 but has barely taken the field post-Covid.
“He can play at either end,” Keras said.
“He’s coming to us having played a lot of senior footy at Gisborne when they were going really well.
“He’s been a part of a lot of finals footy, and he’s a good size, and he comes to us as a one-pointer because he’s had a couple of years off footy.”
X: @krockfootball
