CATS HUNT LATEST RECORD
BELL Park has reinforced its key position stocks after signing former VFL-listed youngster Darby Schilder.
The Dragons believe the 19year-old former Geelong Falcon can play support roles to both Ben Johnson in defence and Jarrod Garth up forward.
A credentialed junior footballer, Schilder previously captained Vic Country at under-16 level and led St Joseph’s Col- lege to Herald Sun Shield glory in 2016.
But injuries crippled the St Mary’s product at Werribee this year, with him playing only four games in the Tigers’ development league side.
“He’s big enough to play both ends in the GFL and he’s a pretty exciting prospect,” cocoach Tim Sheringham said.
“With Darby, I think the thing that attracted him to us was that he didn’t have that immediate pressure of having to fill a void or take over from someone, and he’s going to be able to learn off guys like ‘Johnno’ and ‘Garthy’ and Jackson Bright. He can play a role around them.”
Schilder is the latest in a wave of signings at the Dragons, who have also added Geelong VFL-listed midfielder James Gow to their list.
Gow, from Koroit in the Hampden league, is a highpossession midfielder who came eighth in the Cats’ VFL best-and-fairest last year.
He will only be available when not selected for the Cats.
Veteran ruckman Zane Vail (retired) and nippy midfielder Tyler Stack (travel) are the only confirmed outs from the Dragons’ best side.
The Dragons hope Charlie Farrell will be available to return by the start of the season after suffering a season-ending knee injury late in the pre-season this year.
James Rock, who has been dogged by injuries, is also said to be tracking well.
Portarlington ruckman Jacob Foot last month joined the club, along with Lachie Edwards and Blake Natoli.