The Lakers have landed the services of North Ballarat Roosters-listed ruckman Jackson Bowen for the 2015 Ballarat Football League season.

Bowen officially signed with the club on Tuesday night, signalling his move from Maryborough Castlemaine District side Carisbrook.

Lake Wendouree will now be Bowen’s home club and he will be eligible to play when free of Roosters’ duties. He did not play a game for the club during his first year on the list in 2014.

He is an important addition for the Lakers, which were on the hunt for a replacement for Tuminello, who has left the club after back-to-back best and fairest awards.

The news follows hot on the heels of former Greater Western Sydney Giant and two-time VFL best and fairest Steve Clifton signing on as a playing assistant to senior coach Gavin Webb. Clifton will share assistant duties with his brother-in-law Nick Stephen.

“Steve Clifton is obviously our premier signing for the break, but we have got plenty of midfielders but didn’t have a ruck,” Lakers president Dave Clifton said. “It was very, very important for us to find a good quality ruckman.

“The Lakers have been lucky for the last 10-12 years to always have a top quality ruckman and hopefully he can fill those shoes.”

Bowen played 18 games for Carisbrook last season – including a losing grand final to Navarre – and was named amongst the best players on 14 occasions.

Lake Wendouree is looking for back-to-back finals appearances in 2015 after it was sent packing by Darley in the second elimination final last season.

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au