Tigers have added to their midfield depth with the signing of Rochester’s Bailey Wileman and Noosa’s Reid Gordon for the upcoming Riverina League season.

The pair are cousins, along with returning Tigers junior Will Keogh, and the desire to all have a season together led to the trio uniting at Robertson Oval.

“At family functions and stuff, we’ve always talked about playing together so Will messaged me a few months ago and said lets do it next year,” Gordon explained.

“It’s good that we all pushed for it and it’s good, we’re all together.”

Gordon plays through the midfield or across half-back. He was part of the Brisbane Lions Academy and played a handful of NEAFL games for the club.

Wileman spent his first full season of first grade in the Goulburn Valley League last year and impressed across half-forward and on a wing.

He also captained his club at under 18 level the season prior and finished third in the league medal.

Wileman cannot wait to play alongside his two cousins at Tigers.

“Will put out the idea before we all settle into our careers and while we’re only young,” Wileman said.

“It will be good for the family, all our family love footy and when we get together, we have a good time. I was a bit hesitant at the start...but I thought if I didn’t come here I’d regret it.”

Wagga Tigers coach Troy Maiden is thrilled to welcome a couple of exciting young footballers on board.

“That’s I suppose what we’ve tried to do is get guys from outside,” Maiden said.

“A, ones that have played with us before and get them back in and obviously these boys with Will (Keogh) have a tie in and they’re looking to play together and have some fun.”

From an initial meeting with Paul Kelly, to meeting people involved in the club and inspecting the facilities at Robertson Oval, Wileman has been quite impressed by Tigers.

“It’s unreal. Everyone seems pretty excited,” Wileman said.

“Everyone’s young and up and about. Lots of energy.”

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