New-look Lions won’t “die wondering”

BOASTING a modest season of seven wins and 11 losses and finishing eighth in 2022, coupled with the departures of prolific goalkicker Brent Jacques and former playing coach Nathan Bissett, the future is uncertain for the Belmont Lions’ 2023 GDFL campaign.

The Lions’ busy offseason at Winter Reserve was headlined by the appointment of the senior side’s co-coaches – former junior Brent Vermeulen and Barwon Heads recruit Andy Walsgott – who both believe they have a similar coaching style.

“Andy and I both have a similar way to how we approach footy, and I think that was evident early on,” Vermeulen, who was also recently appointed as captain, said.

Belmont kicks off its 2023 season with a trip to Winchelsea to take on the Blues tomorrow (Saturday, April 1) in a season-opening twilight fixture, but a new brand of football will hopefully get Belmont off on the right foot.

“We’ve brought as many new people here as possible and will look to play an exciting style of footy with that,” Walsgott said.

“Harry Thompson from Torquay was a big signing for us, he’s a nifty inside-mid, Shaun McNamara and Matt Graham from St Albans will form part of our leadership group playing off the half-back flank.

“Jake Dowell who’s come from Rokewood this year, and another of our key pickups is Corey Jarrad who played full-back for Ammos last year, just someone who can play a key defensive role.

“We’ve got a good mix of keen, young kids with Falcons experience and we’re looking forward to where we go with this group.”

Despite the departures from last season, Belmont maintains it can field a competitive side in 2023 with aspirations to accumulate double-digit win totals.

“If that gets us into finals then we’ll take that in our stride,” Vermeulen said.

“We have an exciting bunch, we’ve got a flair and a knack for ball-winning ability, so we want to encourage that.

“Move the ball freely, quick, not die wondering and put some teams under some serious pressure.”

Kieran Hodge will act as reserves coach in 2023.