Coolamon coach Matt Hard revealed the signing of Grintell on Friday as the Hoppers get their recruitment drive underway for next season.

Grintell was pursued by a number of Riverina and Farrer League clubs before deciding to head to Kindra Park and join the Hoppers.

A tall utility, Grintell has been one of Turvey Park’s best through a tough two-year period at the club since crossing from AFL Canberra club Queanbeyan.

Hard is pleased to have Grintell on board.

“We’re very happy to pick him up, he’ll be a good acquisition for our footy club,” Hard said.

“We know we needed to pick up more height and Chase plays tall and that’s something that is definitely a bonus.”

Hard will wait and see how the club’s recruitment fares before deciding on a playing position for Grintell.

“I suppose we can play him in a variety of roles,” he said.

“He can play across half-back, he can play forward, there is a few roles he can play for us.”

The signing is good news for Coolamon, who lost plenty of experience after bowing out in the first week of finals this year.

Quality forward Chris Ladhams has decided to stay in Adelaide next year, while Pete McGrath and Rick Pritchett have retired.

Meantime, McGrath bowed out with the Hoppers best and fairest at their presentation last Friday night.

McGrath edged out teenager Luke Redfern, who finished runner up and got most improved at the club.

Ryan Chamberlain was awarded Player’s Player and most courageous, while Marshal Macauley was named most consistent.

Hayden Bradley won most improved and Rory Litchfield too out coach’s award.

Sam Robinson won reserve grade, Jade Curtis the under 17s and Stacey Curran took out the A grade netball best and fairest.