Ned Mortimer is returning to Australian Rules next season as a Saint, but if he can take North Wagga to the promised land, he might just be the messiah.
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Mortimer said after three seasons away from the game, and a winter off focussing on work, the hunger is back.
“I’ve got the fire in the belly to get fit and try to contribute,” Mortimer said.
“I’ve played footy since I was three years old, so I thought a year off would freshen me up.
“Having a year off makes you realise you’re not going to play forever and I’m hoping to do something special with the Saints next year.”
The 25-year old last played the game in 2012, when he captained Collingullie to a Riverina League grand final, before returning to rugby league with Group Nine club South City for two seasons (where he had also played in 2009-10).
“I really enjoy both sports to be honest,” he said.
“This was mainly based on friendship, but I’ve still got great mates in league too. I wouldn’t say I’ve left it behind.”
Mortimer won a Farrer League flag with Chad Hamblin at Collingullie in 2008, when he also got to know Nathan Dowdle.
The chance to renew that association and to play with close mates Mitch Mullins and Ryan Dean – who’s leaving the Crossroads Oval to also sign with the Saints – was a key factor in joining a club in need of experience.
“There are so many good young talented kids out there… they’ve got talent and speed to burn,” he said.
“With a few bigger bodies and a bit of composure – Ryan Dean, he brings another older head – it can just calm things down a bit and give the boys a bit of confidence.”
Mortimer has played most of his football in the centre but said he’ll play wherever coach Kirk Hamblin wants him to.
“He’s real versatile, and he’s a big bull of a man and got a big kick on him too,” Hamblin said.
“We’re pretty set for backmen so he’s a big midfielder or we could use him on the half-forward line.”
Mortimer and Dean continue North Wagga’s ambitious 2016 recruitment, coming on the back of former Ainslie pair, Lachie Highfield and Alex Grozinger, committing to the club.
But they’ve suffered a significant loss with club best and fairest, ruckman Jeremy Luff, leaving for an Ovens and Murray League opportunity with Lavington.
