Former CSU skipper ready to test himself at Collingullie-Glenfield Park

And the chance to challenge himself in a full-length Riverina League season ultimately led the former Charles Sturt University skipper to link with Collingullie-Glenfield Park this season.

The 24-year-old defender/ruck said his six game stint with the Bulldogs in last year's AFL Riverina Championship, which boasted a glut of talent from cancelled leagues, convinced him to step up into the Riverina League.

"Last year was a combination of a few leagues, so the quality of footy was actually really high. I enjoyed that a lot, and thought I'd have a crack this year," he said.

"After this year I'll probably head back home to Wollongong, so in my last year in Wagga I may as well give it a go.

"I think against Leeton last year we got beat by 50 points but it was so quick and hard, it was good fun."

Thompson actually trained with the Demons when he first moved to Wagga before joining the Bushpigs.

Coach Brett Somerville said he will help nail down a key defensive post.

They have also lured athletic forward Joe Schultz from country South Australia and flanker-small forward Joe Schultz from country South Australia.

"He (Thompson) got onto a couple of the boys last year and was happy with what they were saying and the roles we saw him playing," Somerville said.

"It was a key area of ours to shore up our spine and he can definitely do that for us.

"Spencer looks pretty handy with good skills and Joe is a taller fella with a good leap and speed."

Somerville said the Demons will be a younger outfit this year after COVID denied them the possibility of sending out stalwarts Marc Geppert, Ned Mortimer and Ben Absolum last year.

"I think we'll definitely be a lot younger than we have been in the past," Somerville said.

"We were fairly hopeful of having a farewell for some guys last year and it was disappointing it didn't happen for them and for us. But it provides a good opportunity for our younger kids to step up and get them in earlier than you probably would normally to see how they respond.

"It's been a mix (after the club took last year off). We've had some guys who were pretty happy with the break and maybe doing a bit of work on the house on the weekend or what have you.

"But there's also been a lot of guys who are keen as mustard and want footy back as soon as possible."

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