It is with great pleasure that we can announce Tom Hartney as the first recruit for NOBSPC in 2015. Although never having played a game with us, “Harts” and his younger brother George have had a long association with the club using it as a training base while travelling home to Sandhurst to play each weekend over the years.
He follows in the footsteps of other Sandhurst/NOBSPC legends to ‘swap gryphons’ in recent years with the most notable being multiple NOBSPC BnF Matt Keown. It will also continue NOBSPC long term association with players from all over the Bendigo region with several current players hailing from that area.
Harts (pictured above, #5) has an impressive resume and will add great experience and skill to the midfield/back flank:
- Over 100 senior games at Sandhurst FC in the BFL.
- 2012 BFL team of the year (back flank).
- 2009 R/Up in Sandhurst BnF.
- Played for Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup
When Harts made the BFL team of the year, his profile read:
“Tom Hartney – courageous and reliable defender who reads the play well across half-back and does all the little things well.”
Welcome to the Nobbery, Harts!
Preseason 2015
In other great news for the club, we welcome back several former players to the fold in 2015. We hope to be able to announce these in the very near future, however we can confirm that one player to return to the club in a coaching capacity is the strapping lad Simon Harwood.
The former St Pat’s legend has spent the past 2 years coaching a team in the Canadian AFL, prior to that he had a fairly successful stint as senior captain at NOBSPC. Simma will bring a great deal of experience to the club, and is keen to help develop the younger brigade of players coming through.
We love seeing former players come to their senses and return to the Gillon.
Joining Simma in the coaching staff is Anthony Freeman (Freo) who will manage the strength and fitness (alongside our very own expert Wadey) throughout the season. Freo works with coach Ron Rooney at Pascoe Vale Girls College and has a history of playing at a high-level in various sports including senior football at both the Ballarat FL and EDFL as well as soccer in and around the Brunswick area. Freo has already had one session with the boys and the feedback from both parties was very positive. Welcome Freo!
It was pleasing to seeing 2014 injured (or otherwise unavailable) players Mark Dunlop, Alex Martin, Jack Hume, Ahmed Rafei, Derek MacDonald as well as 2008 reserves premiership player Chris Stribley on the track for the very first session of 2015.
We are hoping to be able to announce a few more key signings in the coming weeks. There is a lot happening and enthusiasm is high!
Training is every Monday 6.30pm at Gillon Oval & Wednesday night at various locations (keep an on Facebook for updates). Players and supporters welcome to attend.
Go NOBSPC!
For more info contact Chris Dobson 0438 098 489.
