The Hoppers have finished their third week of pre-season with more than 40 players hitting the training track on both nights.

Dalton has spent the past four seasons playing suburban football in Melbourne where he has booted 147 goals from 65 games.

Coolamon coach Matt Hard believes Dalton will be a valuable addition the Hoppers’ forward-line. 

“He’ll slot into the side nicely,” Hard said.

“He’s moved here from Melbourne where he played a bit of suburban footy and was after a change of scenery so he will be a good addition to us.

“So far just he’s brought that enthusiasm and footy smarts. He’s played a lot of footy down there in Melbourne so just his smarts and coming from that cultural shift has been refreshing.

“He’s got good hands and will provide a target up forward so it’s great to have him on board.”

Dalton is the second recruit to join Coolamon after the earlier recruitment of Chase Grintell. Ash Hard has also returned to the club after a couple of years in Perth.

They help cover the loss of Pete McGrath, Chris Ladhams, Rick Pritchett and Dan Ryall.

Hard believes the most exciting aspect of the group is the youth coming through.

“Young blokes like Harry Fitzsimmons, Matt McGowan, Will Graetz, those sort of kids, we’ll be looking to get more games into them,” Hard said.

“Guys like Hayden Bradley, Luke Redfern and Sam Glyde, we’ll be looking for them to step up as well.

“We’ve got some really good young kids running around and the older blokes have been fantastic as well.”

Hard said the Hoppers’ recruiting was almost finished.

“There is one or two we’re still waiting on,” he said.

“This time of year it’s difficult, if they haven’t signed by now you usually struggle to get them.”

Coolamon will play three trial games in the lead-up to the season.

They will host Finley on March 12, travel to play Queanbeyan on March 19 and then take on Temora at Nixon Park on April 8.