Drysdale has made a late pre-season addition to its midfield depth by signing a Sunraysia premiership player.
Paddy Power will join the Hawks from Irymple, where he featured in a premiership as a teenager in 2019.
Coach Ben Carmichael says Power’s roommate after moving to Geelong had been training at Mortimer Oval before deciding to play elsewhere.
“He’s going to add some real midfield depth,” Carmichael said.
“He plays on the wing as well, so he’s got a bit of leg speed, which will be really important in our competition.
“So, he’s going to be a really good asset for us.
“He’s only young. He’s that age profile we’re looking for, too.”
Power rounds out the Hawks’ signings for 2025, following the return of Lauchie Dalgleish from Ballarat and the arrival of Mitch Clark (Otway Districts), Lachie Nelis (Leopold), Jackson Paatsch (Otway Districts), and James Robbins (Ocean Grove)
Nelis is the son of 2004 Ash medallist Simon Nelis, while Robbins is the son of former Western Bulldogs and Geelong small forward, Matthew.
Former Geelong Falcon Paatsch has Bellarine experience with Modewarre.
“Unless something comes across our front door step, yeah, that’s probably it,” Carmichael said.
“We still have room to add players, but we’re not actively going out and trying to recruit at the moment.”
Carmichael confirmed former Drysdale spearhead Mat Hebbard considered a return to the club, but ongoing calf issues have likely ended his impressive career.
The Hawks coach also revealed former AFL forward Cam Delany is unlikely to be sighted until mid-season as he overcomes an ongoing ankle issue.
“That ankle that he did last year is still not agreeing with him,” Carmichael said.
“We do expect him to play. He’s keen to play. It’s just whether he can get over this ankle.”
However, talented big man Ben Henderson, who is set to undergo a hernia operation, should be right for the start of the season.
Drysdale’s first practice match is against Banyule on March 15 before heading to Ballarat for a meeting with Redan on March 22.
The Hawks open their campaign against Anglesea at Mortimer Oval.
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