Turvey Park have completed their impressive recruitment campaign with the signing of a former AFL Canberra representative captain.
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The Bulldogs have snared the signature of five-time Ainslie premiership midfielder Ash Harris, who has shelved retirement plans to join Turvey Park for next season.
Harris played just under 200 games for the Tri-Colours, where he started out as a 16-year-old and went on to captain the club.
The 31-year-old sat this season out and thought he was retired before hearing of Mitch Ward's plan to play in the Riverina League at Turvey Park.
Harris is good friends with Ward, and fellow new Turvey Park recruits Shaun Allan and Stephen Camp, and jumped at the opportunity to try country football.
"I'm really excited," Harris said.
"I thought I was done playing footy. I've got a young family and it was only when I caught up with Mitch Ward and found out he was playing that I asked a few questions about it.
"Mitch only had good things to say about Zoc (Mick Mazzocchi), how he has a good relationship with him and played for him previously. He spoke really highly of him and what he was hoping to achieve at Turvey Park.
"Mick mentioned how he was trying to develop a young group and build a culture of senior success. Both appealed to me and I think it will be a great experience, for my family too."
Harris is held in high regard within AFL Canberra as tough midfielder, who leads by example.
He was named captain of AFL Canberra's Team of the Year in 2016, the same year he led the representative team for coach Pete McGrath.
New Turvey Park coach Mick Mazzocchi explained that Harris was a bonus recruit that he never dreamt of getting on board.
"We had finished that side of our recruiting and Ash basically came to us through his relationship with the other guys that are coming," Mazzocchi said.
"The most impressive thing with Ash for me was that he came and spoke to me around what I hoped to achieve developing a young group. The main reason he is coming to Turvey Park is for success, but he also wants to help develop the young team. He's heard what we're trying to do and wants to help develop the young guys."
Mazzocchi has the Bulldogs' list in a strong position as they strive to return to finals football for the first time since 2010.
Mazzocchi believes the addition of Harris tops off the Bulldogs' list.
"When a guy with Ash's football resume comes to you, and the type of person he is, it's a no brainer to get him," he said.
"I'm really excited by what Ash could bring to us. Just the footy he's played and the leadership he's shown, what he will do on and off the field for our young group is really exciting.
"I couldn't be happier with the list we've put together."
Turvey Park has also welcomed Jeff Mannell from Temora.
The final piece in the Bulldogs' recruitment puzzle will be to re-sign 2019 best and fairest winner Nathan Byrne.
Byrne is based in Melbourne and will meet with the club in the new year to discuss his plans.
The addition of Shaun Allan means the Bulldogs already have a ruckman but Byrne is just as effective in a key position role.
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