As Werribee today kicks off its pre-season camp in Torquay, the club has further bolstered its connection to the Geelong region, signing two standout Geelong Football League ruckmen.

The club welcomes in Ben Kellett, while Tylar Watts makes a return to the club he made his VFL debut with in 2019.

Their arrivals make them the third and fourth GFL recruits this week, following the signings of Cooper Ward and Noah Tullio.

A 21-year-old North Warrnambool product, Kellett arrives after two strong seasons with South Barwon.

Kellett came through the junior ranks at North Warrnambool Eagles and spent two years playing senior football alongside fellow Werribee recruit Jackson Grundy. He then made the move to Geelong, where he impressed over two seasons with South Barwon, earning selection in the best 19 times in his 38 games.

Kellett gained valuable experience in the talent pathways as a junior, playing for the GWV Rebels in the 2021 Coates Talent League while splitting his time between that and his first year of senior footy, where he made an immediate impact by kicking five goals on debut for the Eagles.

Speaking to K rock Football, Werribee Football Manager Ash Collins praised Kellett’s development, saying, “We’ve tracked him for a little bit.”

“His follow-up work’s my favourite bit,” Collins added. “I think he’s got great ruck craft, but it’s the way he follows that once the ball hits the deck. He’s always in the contest and really looking to help out and play as that extra midfielder.”

Tylar Watts is back at Werribee, after a stint in 2019-2021, where he made his VFL debut under coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams.

The 201cm ruckman added to his VFL experience post Werribee, signing for Geelong VFL debuting in a clash against Collingwood AFL big man Mason Cox.

Watts’ career path mirrors Kelletts, having played for the GWV Rebels and locally moving from Portland to Geelong West.

Watts has spent the last four seasons playing for Geelong West, where he is widely regarded as one of the best ruckman in the league, playing 61 games.

The two ruckmen join the club after the recently re-signed Darcy Bennett stepped away from the VFL due to overseas opportunities. We wish Darcy all the best.