FARRER LEAGUE
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NORTH Wagga has jumped in on the Farrer League silly season action by announcing its first group of signings.
Saints coach Nathan Dowdle yesterday unveiled four new players to join McPherson Oval for the club’s 2014 premiership assault.
The pick of the bunch is talented tall Alex Hay, who comes to Wagga from playing with Blighty in the Picola and District League.
Hay is capable of playing in the ruck or as a key position forward, and kicked nine goals in 17 games for his club this year.
“I watched him play in a final against Berrigan and he went pretty well, I think he was best or second best on,” Dowdle said.
“From what I’ve seen, I would rate the level of footy down there as a little bit higher than the Farrer League.
“I would probably place (Hay) in the same category as Troy (Curtis) – he is a very versatile player who will probably play up forward for us.”
North Wagga has also lured two former juniors back to the club.
Hayden McLachlan returns from a stint with Coolamon in the RFL, where he has been playing in the club’s under 17 team, but last year cracked first grade for a couple of appearances.
He is expected to be another key forward for the Saints.
Harry Grentell spent this year at Turvey Park, but has committed to the Saints for next season.
He has another year left in under 17s, but Dowdle hopes to give him as much time in first grade as possible.
“It’s good to get a couple of club juniors back to play for us,” Dowdle said.
The fourth signing for the Saints is Alex Donnelly from Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.
Donnelly is another player capable of filling in a key position.
Dowdle said he had specifically gone for height when recruiting Hay, McLachlan and Donnelly.
“These guys are all around six (foot) two (inches) and they are younger guys who we can workwith,” he said.
Dowdle is hoping to announce more signings before starting preseason training on November 19.
“We’re talking to a couple of guys, so fingers crossed,” he said.
“We are looking for a bit of height and a bit of maturity, trying to get some experience on the field around the younger guys.”
North Wagga has already resigned the majority of its 2013 playing list, including best and fairest winner Matt Thomas.