WAGGA Tigers coach Murray Stephenson says the club will resist the urge to top up their stocks before the June 30 deadline, adamant it wouldn't be fair to the young players who have shown commitment to the cause this season.
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The Tigers have put their faith in a number of young cubs this season with the likes of Tom McCullough, Jock Heeney, Sam McNaughton, Patrick Ryan, Ignatius Lyons, Isaac Bennett and Jeremy Lucas playing regular roles.
Currently fourth with a 4-3 record, the Tigers have some work to do to threaten in their premiership defence, but Stephenson said they don't expect to bolster their line-up and will support the young brigade.
Last year the Tigers were bolstered by the inclusion of a handful of established Ovens and Murray stars including Brayden O'Hara, Jake Gaynor, Jim Grills and Shaun Campbell when their league was shut down.
"Bringing in players after short term closures of leagues, there's probably no long term benefit for us," Stephenson said.
"If might be a different story if a league like the O and M shuts down and some ex-Tigers juniors want to come back, but in terms of trying to sign a player before June 30 and boost our stocks, I don't think so.
"I'm pretty confident with what we've got and put the faith in the guys who are here.
"With the young guys it would be disruptive to them, they're players trying to find their feet at senior level. To bring someone in and flick them essentially down to reserves is probably not fair.
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"You want to give them as much exposure as possible. They're very sponge-like, very coachable, and it's only going to take a couple of good wins for them to skyrocket."
The Tigers face a crucial home match against fifth-placed Collingullie-Glenfield Park (3-4). The Demons will be looking to draw level with the Tigers on the ladder, while the hosts can build a two-game buffer.
"They're all big games for us at the moment but in terms of ladder positions, there's a fair bit at stake," Stephenson said.
"I saw them play at Coolamon and they've got some quality players. Jayden Klemke, the Perryman and Kennedy boys, they've all got plenty of ability."
The Demons will be without Edward Perryman, who accepted a two match ban for rough conduct for a tackle on Harry Collins during their loss to Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes before the bye.
The Tigers have a big chance to ease some pressure on their finals ambitions should they account for the Demons, with last-placed Leeton-Whitton to follow next week.
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