NORTH Wangaratta's bid to become a powerhouse in the Ovens and King has gathered further momentum with the shock signing of former Tarrawingee captain Jamie Bell.
Just a week after confirmation former Wangaratta premiership defender David Steer had signed as coach, the Hawks confirmed they had landed their second big fish ahead of the 2012 season in Bell.
But the Hawks' raid on the Bulldogs doesn't end there with Bell to be joined at the Hawks by Bulldogs premiership teammate Daniel Hargreaves.
Bell will also act as an assistant coach to Steer and the new coach said he was delighted to add two premiership players to the side.
"It's great we are starting to get a bit of momentum now," he said.
"Hopefully we can go out and get a few more now.
"Belly is a premiership player, best and fairest and ex-captain of his club so to get someone of his calibre is great.
"The boys are very excited."
After taking over the captaincy of the Bulldogs this season, Bell took his game to another level and was seen as the premier ruckman of the competition.
Steer believed Bell was a key reason Tarrawingee came from fifth to reach the grand final and said he would be a huge asset to the Hawks' side.
"We saw in the finals this year that he was one of the guys that really stepped up and lifted Tarrawingee," he said.
"He has a real presence on the field.
By - Jeremy Wilson.
www.nenews.com.au
MASSIVE COUP: Jamie Bell will leave Tarrawingee for North Wangaratta.
Last Modified on 20/11/2011 09:26