Seagulls building strong list

THE quest for back-to-back flags at Barwon Heads has been strengthened with the signing of former AFL midfielder Teia Miles among three additions.

Drafted to Hawthorn before the 2015 season, Miles played 12 games at senior level before he was delisted this year. A Barwon Heads junior, Miles will be part of the Geelong VFL squad and play as a one point player when not required at Geelong.

A regular at games during his time away from the club, Miles was quick to sign with his home club.

“He comes almost every week and hangs around with all of those guys,” co-coach Troy Mitchell said.

“There was no one happier than him that we got home this year and he wants to come back and enjoy his footy.

“He’s pretty passionate about the club and has a lot of close mates here.”

The BFL premiers have also added some GFL talent to their list, with the signatures of Bell

Park forward Matthew Iannelli and St Mary’s swingman Zach Wright.

Iannelli made his debut with the Dragons in 2010 but a knee injury derailed his final season of GFL, while Wright played only two senior games with the Saints but took home the reserves best and fairest this year.

Of the premiership side, only Zach Walter, Charlie Sprague (Geelong VFL) and Sam Evans (unsigned) are yet to agree to return for the Seagulls.

“It’s a good place to be around, obviously when you are winning it makes life easier too,” Mitchell said. “It’s just a really positive place, a place to cater for all types of people.

“Our reserve players and blokes who miss out on a game are treated just as importantly as the senior guys and it's a really positive atmosphere.”

Off the field, Mitchell and co-coach Mitch Herbison will be backed by a coaching cast that includes James Garvey (forwards and rucks), Kane Purcell, Sam Schaller (midfielders) and Max Melzer (defenders) on the bench.