Reigning Ballarat Football League premier Bacchus Marsh has moved to stiffen up its defence with the signing of Ovens and Murray star Dean Heta.
Heta makes the move from Wodonga Raiders with a big reputation in OMFL.
Despite missing the early part of this season and being restricted to 11 games, he was still named in the OMFL team of the year.
Bacchus Marsh coach Travis Hodgson said Heta had been highly regarded wherever he had played,
Heta played as a junior with the Raiders, where he has also spent the bulk of his senior career.
He played in a premiership with Palm Beach-Currumbin in the QAFL in 2013 and then moved to Ivanhoe Grammarians in the VAFA, where he linked up with his brother Hayden and won a best and fairest in 2014.
Although living in Melbourne, the 30-year-old returned to Raiders in 2015.
Hodgson said while primarily recruited as a key defender, Heta had the versatility to play in the ruck and as a key forward as required.
“He’s extremely versatile...a swingman’s a good description for him.”
Hodgson, who played and coached against him in the OMFL, said Heta’s desire to cut back travelling had been a key factor in getting him to Bacchus Marsh.
The Cobras had hoped to also get Hayden Heta to the club.
Hodgson said unfortunately travelling and work commitments meant it did not come to fruition.
Dean Heta’s move to the BFL will see him renewing hostilities with new Melton South joint coach Brendan Fevola, who was with Yarrawonga in the OMFL.
Heta was suspended for one match after an altercation with Fevola in 2012.
The OMFL is proving a fruitful recruiting ground for Bacchus Marsh.
As a former player and coach in the competition, Hodgson used his connections in the OMFL to secure Damian Cupido and Jarrah Maksymow – linchpins in Bacchus Marsh’s premiership this year.
Hodgson said with the Cobras missing out on Hayden Heta, this left the option open to pursue one more key position player.
He said a forward would most likely be the target.
