The Warriors have significantly bolstered their playing stocks ahead of the 2019 Wimmera Football League season, signing two quality players.
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Former VFL footballer Jay Moody joins Stawell while former Warriors coach and best and fairest winner Tom Eckel returns to his home club.
Moody was leading goalkicker at Hampden Football League club Portland in 2018, providing the Warriors with options both down forward and in the midfield.
The 21-year-old has also had experience at state level, having played VFL football for both Geelong and North Ballarat.
“I moved here about three months ago and already met a few of the boys throughout the year which made the transition pretty easy,” he said.
“It will be good. There will obviously be challenges with a different league and environment but I am really looking forward to it.
“From what I have seen we have a pretty talented group of guys.”
Moody has other connections to the Warriors, having played with Tom Taurau at North Ballarat in previous seasons.
“I’ve been though footy pathways with Tom (Taurau), Naish (McRoberts) and Jack (Taurau) so it’s been good to have some familiar faces around,” he said.
“Having a couple of stints in the VFL was a goo experience but I want to come to Stawell, enjoy my footy and have some fun with my mates.”
Eckel also joins the Warriors after a one-season stint with SANFL club Glenelg. Eckel was one of Stawell’s standout players over the last few years and will provide a big boost to the midfield of the Warriors.
“Tommy is a top player and top clubman that loves our club so it is great to have him back,” Stawell president Tim Williams said.
“Jay will definitely help us out kicking goals as well as a give us a bit of grunt in the midfield.”
“Both Jay and Tom will be great assets to our senior team and club.”
Williams said the club is also keeping an eye out for any other potential recruits.
As well as bringing in players from outside the club, Stawell will have “about 12” under 17 players stepping up into senior age football in 2019.
“Hopefully having a great quality of young kids coming up will put pressure on our senior side and lift the level we play at,” he said.