Persistence has paid off for Bell Park, landing the prize signature of gun North Warrnambool midfielder Jett Bermingham.
K rock Football understands the Dragons beat out at least one other GFNL club for the services of the two-time Hampden League medalist.
“When I first signed on to Bell Park, I think he was the first player we formally met with online,” Bell Park coach James Saker said.
“You stay persistent with these types, and Jett felt the time was right to come to Geelong and have a crack at GFL footy, and we’re just fortunate he’s decided to come our way.”
Bermingham won his first Maskell Medal as a 19-year-old in the Covid-shortened 2021 season before repeating the dose in 2024.
The 22-year-old has played in three consecutive grand finals for North Warrnambool, where former Geelong and West Coast ruck Nathan Vardy is coach.
Named No.3 on The Weekly Times list of the best country footballers in 2024, Bermingham has represented the Hampden League over the past two years in the annual under-23 interleague clash against Ballarat.
He also made five Talent League appearances for the GWV Rebels in 2021.
“In my limited time in Geelong, the Hampden League talent seems to stack up really well in the GFL, evidenced by a guy like Ollie Bridgewater for us last year,” Saker said.
“He comes with a very distinguished CV for a guy so early in his career.
“He’s a gun midfielder, which is essentially what we’ve been shopping for and trying to target over this summer break.
“So to get him into that mix is very exciting.”
Bermingham is the second key signing unveiled by Bell Park, joining former Ainslie ruck Oliver Hicks.
“He’s a big man and loves the contest,” Saker said of Hicks
“We think he’s someone that can create a really good partnership with Ollie Bridgewater and just helps probably offset a bit of his heavy workload as well.
“It gives us something else forward of the footy as well, hopefully, to take a catch and provide a contest.”
Bermingham’s arrival will help cover the departure of 2024 best-and-fairest runner-up Ben Worme, who is headed for Blackburn in the strong Eastern League.
The former Vic Country under-18 representative departs Hi Sushi Oval after playing 54 games in four seasons, during which time he also made 10 VFL appearances with Geelong.
Also farewelling the Dragons is Will Tobin, who has returned to Heathcote after 40 senior games in three seasons.
He also won the club’s reserve grade best-and-fairest in 2022.
Bell Park has practice matches against North Ballarat, Torquay, and Altona scheduled before taking on Colac in the GFNL’s opening round on April 5.
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