‘Bool influence working a treat for Bell Park

BELL PARK’S knack of drawing footy talent from the Hampden league (HFNL) has continued with North Warrnambool Eagles recruit Jett Bermingham having an impact in the opening rounds of the GFNL seniors.

The 22-year-old will be important when the Dragons take on the undefeated St Joseph’s tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) at 2.10pm at Herne Hill Reserve in Round 3.

Bermingham kicked one goal and was named the Dragons’ best in their 160-point drubbing of North Shore last weekend.

Coach James Saker said the inside midfielder, who has won two HFNL league best and fairest awards, had fitted in well.

“We’ve been really impressed by how clean he is and how much he’s bringing others into the game with his work in close,” he said.

“I expect him to keep improving as well.”

Bermingham is one of a few ex-HFNL players in the Dragons’ senior line-up with Fraser Marris, Isaac Wareham and Ned Payne among those also from the Warrnambool region.

“The top-end talent that comes out of the Hampden league always seems to stack up really well at GFL level,” Saker said.

While Bell Park put in the hard yards across three years to get Bermingham, the coach said the Dragons didn’t specifically target players from the area.

“There are a lot of other (GFNL) clubs as well that have some really strong players coming from the Warrnambool region.

“A lot of players see it as a gradual step forward in their career and a lot of young guys come to the area for work and university opportunities … what does often happen, is if you get one or two from a region, it does help you get three and four and five because there are some familiar faces for new players arriving; so it definitely helps.”

Saker said consistency had been an issue in the opening three games with the Dragons lacking some of their leaders due to injuries.

Captain and star midfielder Lachie Patten has yet to play due to groin issues.

“He’s well and truly on the comeback trail but still probably a few weeks away,” the coach said.