Two-time Frank Rosbrook medallist Matthew Vasilevski will call Thomastown home next season.
After a quiet start to the pre-season, the Bears last week announced the first of their signings for next year’s Northern Football League division 2 season, with Vasilevski the biggest name.
Bears’ coach Ben Chapman said players of the calibre of Vasilevski don’t come along every day, but still, they won’t expect miracles.
Vasilevski joins the Bears after playing with Essendon District Football League side Greenvale this year.
“We know what Matt can do, but we’re not putting any internal pressure on him and thinking he’s the saviour,” Chapman said. “We just want him to enjoy his footy and … there’s the opportunity for him to have a positive impact.
“His individual standards are second to none. I don’t think he had a fantastic season this year … we’re hoping this is the environment to get the best out of him.”
Chapman said he hopes Vasilevski can pass on some of his savvy to young Bears.
“We’re trying to teach as much as possible.
“He has played a lot of division 1 football over the last four or five years – he knows the standard that is required to play at that level. We want to get to that level.”
Vasilevski will be joined by Koe and Jordan Ngawati, Ferras Merhi and Sammy Saad. Jordan Ngawati follows Chapman across from Oak Park, while his brother has moved from Bendigo to Melbourne and will join him at the Bears.
Experienced ruckman Merhi will provide size in the middle of the ground, while Saad, a forward, returns after playing with the Bears previously.
Chapman said they still want to add a couple more players.
“We’re still working on the forward and, hopefully, will have an announcement soon … hopefully, we’ll sign a key forward and one key defender.
“We’ve got two players we’re talking to and, if we can get both, I think we can be a lot more competitive.”
Chapman said the club had managed to keep most of this year’s playing group and are averaging more than 30 players a night at pre-season training.
“It’s all positive, I can’t fault them.”
