WILLIAMSTOWN has pulled off an exciting recruiting coup, with Mitch Banner signing for the next two years.
Banner won the 2008 Barry Round Medal, which is presented to the Western Jets best and fairest player.
In the same year he was also selected in the TAC Cup Team of the Year.
Banner was drafted by Port Adelaide with Pick 42 and was on the club’s list for four years.
In that time he played in 19 AFL games and kicked 16 goals.
After being delisted at the end of 2012, Banner moved to Western Australia and played at South Fremantle in the Western Australian Football League.
He enjoyed an excellent season with South Fremantle where he played all 20 games and racked up 532 disposals for the year. He also kicked 33 goals.
As reward for a great year, Banner finished seventh in the Sandover Medal (awarded to the WAFL’s best player) and third in South Fremantle’s best and fairest.
Williamstown football manager Chris Dixon was rapt to have Banner on board.
“We are very excited that Mitch has joined our club,” he said.
“At 23 years of age we believe he will add considerable class to our midfield and is a proven goalkicker.
“Mitch’s signing further illustrates our strong alignment with the Western Jets and he is an example of the top end talent we are recruiting for 2014.”
The signing of Banner continues what has been a busy off-season for the Seagulls who have also appointed Andrew Collins as senior coached and signed 29 members of last season’s playing list.
