Lions sign promising young Bendigo key forward.

Lions sign promising young Bendigo key forward.

The Coburg Football Club have continued to bolster its forward stocks, signing youngster Rhys Free from TAC Cup side Bendigo Pioneers.
Rhys is a 193cm key forward that managed 25 goals in 16 games for the Pioneers from limited opportunities during the 2015 season. This tally saw him take out the seasons leading goal kicker award for his side, and finished sixth in the overall goal kicking tally for the competition. Rhys’ was a consistent goal kicker for the Pioneers throughout 2015, kicking at least one goal in each match, and two goals or more on six occasions. He was named amongst the coaches’ best twice.
Rhys has also managed senior footy with his local club, Cohuna Kangas in the Central Murray Football League. Since making his debut as a sixteen year old in 2013, he has managed 16 goals in 21 matches, including nine goals from four games in 2015. Following the conclusion of his season in the TAC Cup, Rhys played for Cohuna’s Colts where he managed 21 goals in four matches- and played in the premiership side.
Lions’ list manager Sebastian Spagnuolo was delighted to have secured Rhys’ signature following his move to Melbourne. “Rhys is the second player to join us from the Bendigo Pioneers for 2016. He’s a developing young key forward that with hard work will thrive in the Coburg environment. The club is also pleased that we’ve been able to assist Rhys in his move to Melbourne by lining him up with employment opportunities via ATEL and our clubs Welfare Manager Darren Richards. This has allowed Rhys to move to Melbourne to follow his football dream but also continue with his trade apprenticeship.”
A powerful mark with strong hands and an excellent set shot kick for goal, we are delighted to have attained Rhys’ services, and the Coburg Football Club are delighted to give him this opportunity to further his career and development in football. He becomes the second player to have joined from the Bendigo Pioneers this off season, joining Coaches’ Award winner Jesse Muscatello.