Reigning GDFNL premier Inverleigh has received an early boost in its quest for consecutive premierships with the return of David Peel to the club.
Peel last played with the Hawks in 2013 before joining Geelong West-St Peter’s in the GFNL while on North Ballarat’s VFL list.
After two games with the VFL Roosters in 2014, Peel was appointed co-captain of the GFNL Roosters in 2015 and led their predecessor, the Geelong West Giants.
The 30-year-old played the last of his 81 games at senior level for West in Round 7, 2022, when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Peel returned to action late this year in the Giants’ reserves, managing five games.
Inverleigh co-coach Chris Moore said Peel would be a handy addition following the departure of Brad Surkitt.
“It’s fantastic to have ‘Peely’ wanting to finish his career at his home club,” Moore told krockfootball.com.au.
“We reckon he will provide us some flexibility in the midfield and forward.”
Peel is the second 2010 Geelong Falcons graduate to sign with a GDFNL in the past week after ex-Western Bulldogs and Geelong small man Luke Dahlhaus put pen to paper with Anakie.
Surkitt was confirmed today (Monday) as joining Colac and District League club South Colac as coach.
Moore said the former North Shore, Grovedale, and Geelong Amateur midfielder had family ties to the Roos.
“We wish ‘Surky’ all the best at South Colac,” Moore said.
“He’s shown an interest in coaching, and with his connections down there, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
