Grovedale has strengthened its forward line and midfield with two more key signings as preparations for the 2025 season ramp up.
The Tigers have welcomed Leigh Ellis back from GDFNL club Winchelsea while adding Kerang premiership midfielder Liam Jardine.
Ellis, who kicked 175 goals in 66 games with the Blues, including 65 with a haul of 16 in 2023, will go some of the way to covering the defection of GFNL Team of the Year sharpshooter Mitch Chafer to St Joseph’s.
Coach Jacob Spolding says the 29-year-old reached out about a return to Burdoo Reserve.
“Leigh came to us when we went back to training and, of his own accord, said that he wanted to join training and give himself an opportunity to come back and play GFL footy,” Spolding said.
“And he’s got his body in a position that he’s able to do that. So, we’re excited to see what he can add to our forward half of the ground.”
Ellis returns as a one-point player, making 75 senior appearances and kicking 66 goals before heading to Eastern Reserve.
“He’ll provide some forward pressure; he’ll kick some goals for us; he’ll hunt the footy; he’ll hunt the opposition when they’ve got the footy trying to get it out, “Spolding said.
“He’ll help run that forward line with Tommy Gillett.
“We’re looking forward to having him back.”
Jardine, 23, made his senior debut for Kerang as a 16-year-old in 2017 and has since played 79 matches, including the club’s grand final appearances in the past two seasons.
He has relocated to Geelong with his girlfriend, Cooper.
“He’s got some big game experience, which is helpful for our young group, even though he’s young himself,” Spolding said.
“He’ll fit into our midfield group and help the likes of Billy Ford, Nathan Deans, and Jack Tute, and just add some depth into that area of the ground, which we feel we were lacking a little bit in.
“We’re excited to see what he can deliver.”
Ellis and Jardine join Nathan Kreuger (Collingwood), Ed Adams (Shepparton United), Tom Moloney (Winchelsea), and Ben Davis (Stawell) as arrivals.
Kreuger has signed with Geelong’s VFL squad, where he will likely be a permanent fixture, while Adams is pushing for a spot on Essendon’s VFL list.
Grovedale has practice matches against Point Cook Centrals, Werribee Districts, and St Mary’s before hosting South Barwon in Round 1.
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