Newly appointed Melton Centrals’ coach Glenn Hopkins hasn’t wasted any time strengthening his playing list.
Centrals last week signed Rex Hickman to the club’s 2014-15 players’ list after his stint with Ballarat Swans in the Ballarat Football League.
Melton Centrals’ operations manager Brian McNabb said he was rapt to have the rising star on board.
“Rex was identified very early in recruitment meetings as the kind of person we would like to be a part of our football club,” McNabb said.
“Not only is he an outstanding footballer but an all-round outstanding person. His vision and obvious leadership qualities stood out when we met with him.
“At 23 years of age, he is going to play a big part in building this club into a genuine premiership contender.”
Hickman played 20 matches for Ballarat in 2014 and booted 18 goals. He also spent time on the backline and in the ruck, and was named among his side’s best players on three occasions, including in the Swans’ semi-final loss to eventual premiers, North Ballarat City.
“I’m a local boy and I wanted to play for a great local side, and Centrals seem to be the perfect fit,” Hickman said.
“I’m hoping we can build sustained success at the club both on and off field. I’ve learnt so much in my time at a great club like Ballarat; I hope I can bring some of that success to Centrals to push us further.”
Melton starts pre-season training next month and will have a meet-the-coach day on Friday at the Melton Centrals clubrooms.
