The Bendigo Bank Cats playing list continues to take shape with the Club pleased to announce new signings for the upcoming season.
Following the arrival of Jake Edwards as the Club’s first signing, four new faces have been recruited for 2016, and 11 players have re-signed from last year’s squad.
James Tsitas comes to the VFL Cats following two successful seasons at North Ballarat where he played 29 senior matches.
Tsitas has the ability to play as an inside or outside midfielder, is clean in congestion and boasts excellent endurance. He represented Vic Country at Under 18 level and was a member of the AFL Academy.
In 2013, Tsitas co-captained the Geelong Falcons with Alex Hickey, who has also committed to the VFL Cats for season 2016.
Hickey brings VFL experience following 12 games at Essendon over the past two seasons. He is regarded as a smart and versatile midfielder who can also play in a half-back or half-forward role and will be handy commodity for the Bankers.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a successful season in 2015, compiling six games for the Bombers VFL outfit whilst also playing a pivotal role in St. Joseph’s GFL premiership campaign, playing 14 games and kicking 18 goals throughout the GFL season.
One of Hickey’s former Falcons teammates Harry Kol has also signed up as a 19-year-old making the move into the VFL ranks. He is the son of former Geelong footballer Michael Kol, who played 63 games for the Cats between 1983 and 1989.
Kol was a talented junior with St. Mary’s and the Geelong Falcons. Throughout the 2015 season, Kol displayed his quickness and versatility en route to being awarded the Geelong Falcons Best & Fairest.
Finishing a close second in the Geelong Falcons Best & Fairest of last season, Will Sexton has also joined the Cats VFL squad for season 2016.
The South Barwon product is an excellent on-field decision maker and has elite foot skills. Sexton showcased his talents representing Vic Country at the Under 18 Championships in 2015.
Whilst this new batch of players will see VFL Coach Shane O’Bree’s side look much different to that of 2015’s list, there are a number of familiar faces that will pull on the blue and white hoops again.
Following seasons marred with injuries, Ben Raidme and Ryan Williams will look to stay on the park in 2016 as they once again pull on the boots for the Cats. Their leadership and experience will be crucial to the balance of the Cats VFL list.
Experienced VFL stars Sandy Robinson and Kieren Paliouras will also continue to ply their trade, as will Brenton Rees and Cameron Tudor.
The squad will also continue to have a strong St. Joseph’s contingent, as it did in 2015, with Tom Atkins and Brant Haintz taking the Joey’s - Geelong VFL listed players to an impressive seven.
Matthew Farrelly, Paul Burchell and Simon Close all played exciting VFL football when opportunities presented, and all have signed to play in 2016.
“We are excited to bring in four talented Geelong products being James, Alex, Harry and Will into our program this season,” Cats VFL Manager Troy Selwood said.
“All four boys are extremely talented footballers building the foundations of their senior careers.
“Most importantly for the side, they are fantastic characters, I anticipate they will be leaders of this VFL team in the future.
“We are also delighted to announce the 11 re-signings from our 2015 List. All were provided with exposure to the VFL competition last season, and we felt that they demonstrated great promise at state league level.
“Throughout the course of the season they became great team players, executing their individual roles on a more consistent basis.
“Shane and the VFL coaching staff believe there is further development in this group of players.”
The 2016 VFL List and Development Squad will be finalised during the Cats’ VFL practice match series, in March.
2016 GEELONG VFL SIGNINGS (as at 18 February)
New: Jake Edwards (Darley FC), James Tsitas (Grovedale FC), Alex Hickey (St Joseph’s FC), Harry Kol (St Mary’s FC), Will Sexton (South Barwon FC)
Returning: Ben Raidme (South Barwon FC), Ryan Williams (St Joseph’s FC), Kieren Paliouras (St Joseph’s FC), Sandy Robinson (Newtown & Chillwell FC), Cameron Tudor (St Joseph’s FC), Simon Close (Leopold FC), Brenton Rees (St Joseph’s FC), Matthew Farrelly (Moderwarre FC), Brant
