CHILTERN has signalled its intent for next season by luring former juniors Brad and Bodie Hibberson back to the Tallangatta and District league club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Brad has been playing for Wodonga Raiders since 2007 while Bodie arrived at Birallee Park in 2009.
Swan coach Mark Doolan said the pair would be major acquisitions as the club attempted to build on last weekend’s elimination final loss to Barnawartha.
“It’s big for us,” he said.
“They are still in the prime of their footy careers and the type of characters we are after.
“Being former Chiltern players makes it even better.
“It’s good to get the ball rolling.
“We have targeted a few areas to improve and the Hibbersons are one of them.”
Brad played in Chiltern’s 2006 grand final loss to Mitta United at Sandy Creek as a 15-year-old before following Brendan Way to the Ovens and Murray the following season.
Bodie played over 50 senior matches, mainly as a tagger.
Doolan, who took over from Chiltern co-coaches Kirk Wilson and Shaun Pritchard this week, believes the Swans are well placed after a strong finish to the season.
“We got a taste of finals and we know what we have to do,” Doolan said.
“Kirk and Shaun have left us in a good position to build.
“It’s exciting times.”
Wilson is reconsidering his future after originally planning to retire.
Meanwhile, Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Thurgoona will be close to full strength for today’s qualifying final at Sandy Creek.
The Hawks have named their strongest team of the year while Thurgoona is also at the peak of its powers with the possible exception of Mark Haydon.
Haydon has been named at full-back but is in some doubt after injuring his ankle last weekend.