The highly-rated Manton played with Ainslie last year but made contact with Tigers recently after deciding he couldn’t commit to the training demands in Canberra.

He’ll be another travelling recruit for Tigers, along with Dale Walker and Rob Tuohey.

Tigers coach Shaun Campbell said 22-year old Manton comes with big raps. 

“Yeah, he can play – he’s just exciting,” Campbell said.

“He’s got speed and pace to burn, very showy – yeah, he’s good with it.”

Less than two weeks out from their much-anticipated round one showdown against Leeton-Whitton, Tigers might just have rocketed into pre-season favouritism with Manton’s signing. 

“It’s definitely exciting,” Campbell said.

“If I can get them all on the paddock we’ll be a force to be reckoned with, particularly when we get our young blokes back from GWS Academy.”

One well-regarded judge of football in the region said Manton would “easily be in the best few players in the Riverina.” 

Campbell isn’t shying away from big expectations.

“I’ve probably got two of the top five, I reckon, between him and Walker,” he said.

As well as the new coach and the Canberra recruits, Tigers also have Jim Carroll back and signed Harvey Daniher on his return to Wagga after two years at school in Melbourne.

Their departures included former coach Matt Rava and Pat Delaney to Osborne, as well as Angus Durnan, Alex Reilly and Xavier Brennan.

Former assistant coach, John Anstee, may also be limited in his appearances due to work and study commitments. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers continued their preparations for the season with a nice win over Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes at Mangoplah Sportsground on Saturday.

Campbell starred in a best on ground effort in the 14.5 (89) to 4.4 (40) win.

A five goals to one second term was the big difference.