North Geelong has received a welcome boost in its quest to climb away from the lower rungs of the GDFNL ladder after signing former North Shore captain Patrick Cleary.
New Magpies coach Peter Riccardi confirmed Cleary will join the club as a development coach after 132 games at Windsor Park since arriving from St Mary’s ahead of the 2015 season.
“We need a couple of older heads at the club,” Riccardi said. “He’s the perfect fit to help out the back half.”
“He oozes leadership, and he’s got a bit of calmness about him as well.
“He doesn’t seem to panic with the footy.”
Riccardi also confirmed the re-signing of reigning best-and-fairest Jacsen Jewell.
In a tough 2023, Jewell was a standout after crossing from GNFL club Lara.
“I think we’ve got only one more to try and get on board, and that’s Jackson Bews,” Riccardi said.
“He’s not sure whether his body is going to hold up – he’s had a few injuries over the past couple of years.
“I’m trying to convince him there might be different roles for him.
“Apart from that, we’re just looking out for recruits.”
Cleary is the third departure from North Shore, joining Corio-bound Herschelle Carr and Hayden Burns.
North Geelong, which last played finals in 2017, will officially resume training on Wednesday, 15 November.
However, Riccardi says there will be informal Wednesday night sessions starting next week.
“Just to get to know the boys instead of having an influx on the 15th of November,” he said.
“Hopefully, by the time we meet on the 15th, I know at least 75 per cent of the players.
“Guys will filter in and out and have a bit of a kick and a catch and a bit of a chinwag about what we want to do in the pre-season.”
