Queenscliff signs Kyle Hartigan for 2024

QUEENSCLIFF’s goal of returning to the Bellarine Football League (BFL) finals has received a huge boost with former AFL backman Kyle Hartigan signing on for 2024.

Hartigan played 135 AFL games for Adelaide and Hawthorn after being taken with pick 14 in the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft.

The 32-year-old was part of the Crows 2017 grand final side that lost to the Richmond Tigers.

Queenscliff senior football coach Heath Jamieson welcomed Kyle, his wife Emily and his kids Hazey and Henley to the “Couta Bowl” for season 2024.

“It’s a really great get for our club both on and off the field, we are just stoked,” Jamieson said.

“When Kyle had expressed his family were moving down to the Bellarine, we were definitely keen to have a chat.

“We don’t usually chase everyone and the more we spoke with him, the more we felt he would be an amazing fit for our club.

“He’s a big guy who we can see kicking plenty of goals up one end or be a great interceptor down back, which we feel he could be the best at in the league.

“He brings a wealth of experience to our young list, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Also joining Hartigan at the Coutas in 2024 will be former Newtown & Chilwell U/18 captain Jonas Seecamp, GFL young defender Lachie McKane and returning club junior Max Scott.

Jamieson said the addition of Hartigan and some other young guns would hopefully help propel Queenscliff back towards the finals.

“It’s definitely a big goal for us, everyone wants to play finals.

“We’ve had a bit of a drought, so we are doing everything to make sure we can make some improvements to get back there.

“Experience is what we’ve lacked in previous years, so Kyle and some of our other senior boys will great mentors and help to settle our group.”

Queenscliff kicked off their preseason training this week.