Sarah Oliver
Former AFL player Brett Bewley is excited to be returning home to Darley to play the Ballarat Football League.
Bewley has returned to the Devils, his junior club, after being delisted by Fremantle at the end of the 2021 season.
The return of Bewley will make the comeback a family affair, with Bewley’s younger brother Jack a current player and their dad having played in the past.
“I’ve always had that pull to come back,” Bewley said.
He said he’s “really excited” to be playing with Nick Rodda again, who he played with at Williamstown, and other mates from his days in the junior league.
The midfielder will bring his experience of the last three years over at Fremantle and is keen to be a mentor to the younger players.
Bewley played 25 games across three years at the Dockers. He played six games this year, with a groin injury and punctured lung holding up his season at the start of the year.
“I want to be a help with a lot of the boys starting their journey with senior footy,” Bewley said.
He also said the Devils will be better as a team after going winless this year and his experience will help to fast track them to get back up the ladder.
“I want to make sure I’m presenting in the best way possible and playing the best I can.
“I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the club that started it all for me.”
Bewley said his days of playing in the VFL and AFL are over, despite garnering some interest from interstate AFL clubs after being delisted.
“Now I’m back home at Darley, that’s probably where I see myself playing out the rest of my footy.
“The passion and desire – the flame has gone out for state league sort of stuff.
“I’m really passionate about Darley footy club and helping the club get back up to the top of the ladder.”
Devils president Mark Shelly said teammates around him just walk taller.
“When he said he wanted to come back on board we couldn’t contain our excitement,” he said.
“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for our club and for our younger brigade to train and learn alongside someone like Brett.”
Shelly said Bewley has “always been a hard worker” and that his main attributes that he brings back “is obviously his leadership, and attention to detail as far as his preparation goes”.
