Melton South has signed former Essendon forward Nick Kommer.
Kommer joins the Panthers after four injury prone years with the Bombers in which he played 22 AFL games.
Panthers co-coach Sean Triplett said Kommer wanted to get back to enjoying his football
“He’s a huge get for us,” he said.
“He was a mature age kid when he got drafted and his first year at the Bombers was outstanding.
“The next couple of years were ruined with shoulder, knee and hand injuries. He had an injury free year this year, playing three games.
“I think he was a bit stiff to be delisted.”
Triplett said the country football atmosphere in the Ballarat Football League and helping rebuild Melton South appealed to the 26-year-old, who was in the best shape he had been in since his first year at the Bombers.
He said Kommer would likely play a number of roles for the Panthers, including in a forward pocket next to co-coach Brendan Fevola.
Kommer is the third offseason recruit for the Panthers with AFL experience.
He joins Fevola and Mitch Banner at the Panthers.
Triplett said the three would help provide senior experience to a young playing group.
“We’ve got a really young group and obviously played a few 15 and 16-year-olds the last couple of years.
“The majority of our playing group is between 18 and 26 and has light bodies.”
Kommer will play full time next season with the Panthers, while Banner is set to juggle playing with the Panthers and playing in the VFL.
Triplett said the Panthers recruiting hadn’t finished with the club still talking to “two to three” former AFL players.
Other Panthers offseason signings include, Matt Notman, Ben Peters, Mark Lynch, Shannon Broadbent, and brothers Adam and Mozzie Houli.
