Turvey Park have received the news they have been waiting for with esteemed ruckman Nathan Byrne set to return for another season.
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The Bulldogs were confident Byrne would return for another year but received confirmation from the big man last week.
Byrne returned to his junior club last year after a decade away and won Turvey Park's best and fairest with a fine season.
The 30-year-old moved back to Melbourne early in the season but travelled weekly to fulfil his commitment to the Bulldogs.
It is a commitment he has agreed to again as he looks to finish his career where it started at Turvey Park.
Bulldogs co-coach Mark Carroll was confident Byrne would be back for another season but said the club was delighted to get confirmation.
"He's all good to go. It's all systems go, which is fantastic for us," Carroll said.
"I always knew he'd be here but he had a few things going on and didn't want to commit early and then it not happen.
"He's really keen to go again, which puts a smile on the coach's face, that's for sure. His family are at the club and they love coming to the footy so it's a good fit for him.
"He thinks he's got another year in him. He genuinely loves the place and is keen to finish off here."
Byrne's re-signing continues a productive off-season for the Bulldogs.
Tyler Cunningham and Matt Ness have returned to Maher Oval to provide some more experience to the playing group.
Jayden Carroll will also be back at Turvey Park this year after moving back to the region from Melbourne recently.
He last played at Turvey Park in 2018 and only managed three games due to a shoulder injury. He has undergone a shoulder reconstruction and will be a late starter but will provide more midfield strength for the Bulldogs.
Turvey Park have also welcomed Riley Connor, who has moved to Wagga from Sydney. Connor was named in Campbelltown Blues' best players on 11 occasions last season in AFL Sydney's division one competition.
Dean Ward has also returned to the Bulldogs. He played in Turvey Park's last grand final team in 2010 and has been playing reserve grade at North Wagga in recent times.
"It gives us a bit of depth we didn't have last year. Some stronger boys as well," Carroll said.
The only losses to date are Clint Shields and Mitch Sykes.
Chris Cerato has been appointed Turvey Park's reserve grade coach, while Brad Burkinshaw will coach the under 17s again.
The Bulldogs are back training five times a fortnight ahead of their Good Friday season opener against Wagga Tigers.
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