Christmas has come early for Turvey Park in the form of a key position player with more than a decade of Ovens and Murray League experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lavington defender Kade Garland was welcomed to Maher Oval on Wednesday night after signing with the Bulldogs for next season.
A friendship with new Turvey Park coach Truman Carroll and a desire for change saw him link with the Bulldogs after 12 years at Lavington.
Garland, 30, cannot wait to help Turvey Park in their bid to return to the top of the Riverina League.
"I am genuinely excited by the opportunity to help Turvey Park get some success," Garland said.
"What that success looks like is anyone's guess, but we'll be aiming as high as we can."
Garland played alongside Carroll in Lavington's 2016 grand final loss to Albury Tigers and remained in contact with him since.
Carroll's professional approach attracted Garland to Maher Oval.
"I was probably ready for a change. I've played O&M for the last six or seven years and was looking for a change and a new challenge," Garland said.
"When I got talking to Truman and what he's trying to do at Turvey Park and where they are going as a club, I was keen to work with Truman and the younger guys the club has got coming through."
Garland spent 12 years at Lavington, with a two-season stint at Jindera in 2010-11 in between.
While spending most of his time at Lavington as a defender, Garland will find himself in the ruck and up forward for Turvey Park.
Carroll was thrilled to land what the Bulldogs believe will prove the biggest recruit of the off-season.
"Very happy, everyone at the club and the players are very excited to get a fella with that much experience at a high level," Carroll said.
"He'll probably play in the ruck and forward. He played a lot of centre half-back at Lavington but he can go forward and kick goals because he's so tall.
"Everyone's really excited to get someone of his quality. He'll be able to bring players into the game and his experience out on the ground will be a bonus."
Garland's signing follows the addition of Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong premiership player Daniel Hitchens, and the return of Chris Cerato and Bobby Tye. They have also lured Lachlan Robertson across from North Wagga.
They replace the departures of Andrew Emery, Jack Brooks, Mitch Sykes, Tim Doyle and Kodie O'Malley.
Carroll said Garland's signing will only add to a special feeling at Turvey Park.
"The whole vibe at the club at the moment is electric," he said.
"Training is going along nicely and (Garland's signing) is the cherry on the top."