THE Central Highlands Football League reigning premier Bungaree has landed a double recruiting coup as it strives for back-to-back flags.
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Assistant coach Chris O’Keefe has helped lure two former Spotswood teammates to the Demons in 2015.
O’Keefe has confirmed Chase Morgan and William Phillips have joined the club from the Western Region league powerhouse, where they are multiple premiership players.
The pair played under O’Keefe during his three years as playing coach, where he won the premiership in 2011 and then lost grand finals in 2012 and 2013 by a solitary point.
O’Keefe said both players were important pick-ups, describing Morgan as a skilled and hard-at-it midfielder and Phillips as a good-sized onballer/defender.
Morgan played 13 senior games with the Woodsmen in 2014, including the grand final loss to Deer Park alongside Phillips, who played eight senior matches.
“They’re senior players in the WRFL division one, which as long as they can bring that form to the Central Highlands league they are going to be very valuable pick-ups for us,” O’Keefe said.
“And more importantly, they are ripping guys and hopefully will enjoy the environment at Bungaree, which I’m sure they will.”
Spotswood has played in the past eight grand finals, winning four.
O’Keefe has lured the pair following his return to Bungaree last season.
The dynamic midfielder had a standout year in red and blue, finishing fifth in the league best and fairest count, playing a vital role in the club’s breakthrough premiership and starring in the CHFL’s country championships triumph over Loddon Valley.
Coach Heath Pyke will lead Bungaree this season following Greg Middleton’s resignation after the Demons’ big grand final win over Springbank.
Middleton will, however, remain coach of the interleague side, which will play Horsham District Football Netball League in May.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au
