Persistence has paid off for Bannockburn in its chase of gun Queenscliff youngster Lachie Kidd.
This afternoon, the Tigers unveiled the BFNL Team of the Year ruck-rover as its first significant off-season acquisition.
Coach Ron Pilgrim says Bannockburn has a connection with the former Geelong Falcon, who finished runner-up in the Coutas’ best-and-fairest.
“He went to school with a few kids from out this way – he’s got quite a few friendships out this way,” Pilgrim said.
“And he works with (football manager) Zach Hickleton.
“We’ve been trying for a couple of years, and I think he just wants a bit of a change and play with his friends for a little bit.
“We’re lucky enough to get him on board.”
LOCAL FOOTBALL: WELCOME & FAREWELL
Kidd is a handy addition to Bannockburn’s midfield as it looks to improve on this year’s elimination final exit in 2024.
“He’s only a kid, but he’s nearly elite now,” Pilgrim said. “He’s been pretty good for Queenscliff for such a young player.
“The world’s still his oyster with football; he’s going to play a massive role for us.
“We think the midfield’s an area we can improve a bit on.”
Pilgrim is hopeful Kidd isn’t the only new face to walk through the door at Victoria Park, with Bannockburn targeting some crucial areas of the ground.
“Like most clubs, a ruckman would be very handy; we’re trying real hard with that,” he said.
“I think we need another key back or key forward and maybe a bit more experience in the back half.
“We’re talking to people, but nothing’s come to fruition yet.
“But we’re hopeful we can get those players and take the next step.”
The only confirmed departure is Daniel Measures, who hung up the boots following the elimination final loss to East Geelong.
Pilgrim also hopes not to see much of young trio Leigham Elzinga, Ryan Perkins and GDFNL Rookie of the Year James Hose in 2024.
“They’ll all go for a run back down at the (Geelong) Falcons, and I expect them to make the list and play a few games,” he said.
“We’d love for them to be available, but I think they’ll play a lot of footy there next year.”
Meanwhile, Anakie has announced a raft of recruits re-signing.
New coach Jayke Mawson has tapped into his South Barwon link, with Swans premiership players Mitch McKee and Jesse Mawson among the additions at the Roos, who have already signed former Geelong and Western Bulldogs star Luke Dahlhaus.
Former player Luke Priddle has returned for the first time in over a decade.
In GFNL news, Bell Park will have Ben Lloyd permanently in 2024.
Lloyd, who has spent the past two seasons with Geelong’s VFL squad, where he played 33 games, will return to the Dragons as a playing assistant coach.
He finished fourth in the Cats’ best-and-fairest in 2022 and equal seventh this year.
Lloyd won Bell Park’s best-and-fairest in 2021, the same year he was named in the GFNL Team of the Year.
And Luke Webb has joined James Gow in returning to St Joseph’s.
Webb, a Joeys’ 2018 premiership team member, spent this year with Bendigo League club Strathfieldsaye, helping them to a preliminary final.
The Tasmanian, who played five VFL games with Geelong, has made 55 appearances for St Joseph’s.
