COOLAMON has strengthened its position for the upcoming Riverina Football League season with the return of key duo Ryan Chamberlain and Ben Fixter.
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Coolamon coach Matt Hard yesterday confirmed the signings of the two talented midfielders, who left the Hoppers this season for stints in the Farrer League.
The addition of Chamberlain and Fixter puts Coolamon in a strong position for next season on the back of the signing of club junior Lew Roberts as assistant coach.
Roberts arrives back in Coolamon next month well in time for the Hoppers' pre-season when it commences in January.
Chamberlain spent the season with The Rock-Yerong Creek and claimed the club's best and fairest.
Hard said the club was happy to welcome Chamberlain back home.
"He's another good-sized body that can go through the midfield," Hard said yesterday.
"You can never get enough of those type of players and we're delighted to get Ryan back.
"He'll complement Jamie (Maddox) and Luke (Maloney) in the midfield nicely."
Fixter will also bolster the club's midfield stocks.
He played under brother-in-law Brett Garrett at Charles Sturt University and was the Bushpigs' best player easily throughout the year.
The former AFL star will be another welcome addition to the Hoppers.
"Ben was keen to come back and help us take the next step," Hard said.
"He played every game last year and he'll come back a lot fitter than in previous years."
The additions to Coolamon's playing list counter the losses of Rick Pritchett, Nick Pleming and Zac Bradley.
Hard described Pritchett's contribution to the club in his one year as "sensational".
He has retired and will take up new employment in Brisbane.
Pleming will further his football career while juggling university in Canberra and has joined Eastlake, while Zac Bradley has also moved to the nation's capital for studies.
Coolamon hope to gain this year's assistant coach Ben Cadzow back mid next year if everything goes according to plan in his recovery from bad leg and knee injuries.
Hard said the Hoppers remain in talks with a number of players and are hopeful of a few more signings in coming weeks.