Bell Post Hill has come a long way in two years.
Just ask the club's senior captain Jack Yates.
“I’m pretty sure there was an Ad in the Addy to see if we could get some players up here ahead of Round 1 in 2024,” he reflected.
In one of the upset wins of the decade (so far), Bell Post Hill opened its campaign with a memorable 12.12 (84) to 11.7 (73) win against premiership favourite East Geelong.
The win placed the Panthers fourth on the table to start the season however they could add another five victories in the remaining seven rounds.
Last year, the Panthers welcomed back premiership heroes Caleb Baceley, Dylan Witney, Nick Costello and Tim Barton and recorded two finals wins to advance to the preliminary final.
In a turn of events, the powerhouse climbed from bottom spot after its 64-point loss to North Geelong in Round 1.
Yates now hopes his side can start and finish on top in season 2026.
“I think that’s a credit to the coaches, players and the team as well as the environment we have created up here,” he added.
“We are attracting 50 players minimum to training so the club is going on the right track which is good to see.”
The Panthers executed their new game plan in practice matches against EDFL side Roxborough Park and CHFL outfit Bungaree last month.
They will now commence their 2026 campaign against Geelong West at West Oval before playing host to elimination final rival Anakie.
“It is the fittest the boys have felt,” he concluded.
