Bailey Burke, Nick Hay, Luke Hay, Kai Hillier, John Lawton, Kane Morris, Billy Michael, Charlie Waters, and Tom Merryless have officially signed on for the Redeyes.
Bain has previously said he was looking to build a competitive team, with an eye on ‘‘big-bodied onballers’’ and ‘‘quick forwards’’.
In less than a week he found both with Bailey Burke, Nick Hay, and Luke Hay first to sign on for the 2022 season.
‘‘We wanted to build a strong competitive team, and these blokes tick those boxes,’’ said Bain.
Burke is an experienced player who has played seniors in the Ovens and Murray. He is an onballer who can also ‘‘sneak forward and score goals’’, according to Bain.
‘‘I’m very confident that he’ll bring a lot to the team. He’s also an ex-Blighty juniors player, so it’s great to have him back on side.’’
Nick is a seasoned pro with two premierships under his belt. He will be joining Blighty after a spell in Queensland, where he also played seniors.
The defensive forward, and former Deni Rovers player, will be instrumental in Bain’s ‘go fast, go hard’ approach.
Joining him is brother Luke, a wingman and back flanker who is quick off the mark and an ‘‘attacking machine’’.
‘‘Luke really brings that pressure to the field. Everyone likes the effort he puts into the game,’’ said Bain.
Luke was with Blighty when Bain was coaching the seconds in 2019 — the last time Blighty won a premiership. Though Luke doesn’t remember much of it, having suffered a head knock during the final match. Nonetheless, he won the Best & Fairest by 30 votes that same year.
Recruitment continues.
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