Osmotherly was heavily pursued by a number of clubs close to the border but decided to follow good mate Jackson Kelly to Wagga Tigers.

Osmotherly spent last season with Hume League battlers Murray Magpies, where he finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest and was also awarded most consistent.

It was the 23-year-old’s first full season in some time after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction when at Rutherglen the year before.

Originally from Western Australia, Osmotherly is looking forward to a fresh start at Tigers.

“It came about through Jacko (Kelly) jokingly mentioning it but towards the end of the season he was still carrying on about it,” Osmotherly said with a laugh.

“He signed a week or two ago and then I met with Paul (Kelly) and signed up as well.

“I think just getting to play with Jacko will be good. I’m looking forward to the challenge, it will be something a bit different, heading to Wagga to play. 

“It will be a good challenge and good fun.”

Osmotherly stands at six foot eight and will give Tigers a lift in the ruck stocks.

The club has struggled in that department since the departure of Brad Graham.

Tigers have also secured the services of club junior Sam Ryan.

He will return to Tigers to play alongside his brother Nick. Sam has spent the last couple of seasons playing at Sydney University.

Tigers coach Troy Maiden is rapt to have him back at the club.

“Sam’s another mid, half-forward, he’s got nice skills, he’s a good ball user and he’s experienced,” Maiden said.

“He’s keen to come back and play with Nick.”

Maiden was also thrilled to welcome Osmotherly on board.

“There’s not a great deal of big guys floating around so we’re happy to have him,” he said.

Tigers have now landed Kelly, Osmotherly and Ryan to kick off their recruitment campaign.

They have lost departed coach Shaun Campbell, as well as young players Lewis Gooden (Wollongong) and Jeff Mannell (Temora).

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