Bacchus Marsh has turned to an experienced key forward in the metropolitan-based Northern Football League to add potency in attack.
Willitts’ past two seasons with Epping have been among his best after a one-year stint with West Preston-Lakeside in division one.
He kicked 73 goals in 2016, when he was selected in the NFL division three team of the year and 60 this year, which placed him second in the competition’s goalkicking. He had a season high of 11.
Bacchus Marsh coach Travis Hodgson said the Cobras’ two defeats at the hands of Darley in this year’s finals had highlighted a need for an additional specialist forward.
They kicked just nine goals, including six in the grand final when missing leading forward Jarrah Maksymow through suspension.
The Cobras had pinch-hitters such as Hamish Coulton, Alec Del Papa, Declan Phyland, Ryley Stuhldreier and Billy Griffiths across the season, but were unable to fully replace Damian Cupido or Cam Richardson from their 2016 premiership team.