North Wagga have landed the big man they've been looking for, finally bringing Matt Parks to McPherson Oval some three years after they first hoped to do so.
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A specialist ruckman has been a weak spot for the Saints in recent seasons and coach Cayden Winter believes it's a crucial piece in the puzzle of chasing another premiership.
"It's been probably the biggest concern throughout our team the last couple of years, being without a ruckman. The boys we played there did a great job, they competed really well, but to have an established ruckman now is going to help our team out a lot," Winter said.
"We might even be able to get on the attack in the midfield every now and then instead of being so defensive so I'm pretty excited."
Parks, 22, hasn't played for a couple of season but is keen to get back into football.
A two-time premiership winner at Marrar, he attempted to switch to the Saints in 2019 but was denied a clearance from the Bombers to their 2018 grand final rivals, because he'd already signed a contract.
After a couple of years away from football and focussing on work, including a year in Western Australia, Parks is keen to get back on the paddock.
"I'm really looking forward to coming and having a season here," Parks said.
"I think it'll take me a bit to get back into it but it's good to get your mind off work and have something else.
"Ruck is pretty much all I've played so it should be good. I know a few of the blokes here and hopefully we can have a good season."
Parks, who started his football career at Lockhart, said he has no ill feelings towards Marrar where he had the good fortune to be part of two senior premierships and said he gained plenty of valuable experience.
Parks is a major additionfor North Wagga, particularly after the loss of key forward (and part-time ruckman last year) Daniel Jordan.
After two years back in Canberra, Jordan travelled to play last season. He kicked 40 goals in 13 games before an ankle injury ended his season, and his second association with the Saints.
Winter said they've re-signed the rest of their 2021 list, including backmen Ky Hanlon and Ben Alexander who took on the ruck duties throughout this year but can now be utilised fully in their own roles.
They've also brought utility Isaac Crouch back after his season with Riverina League club Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, where he played six senior games.
"He's a good size, he can play basically anywhere on the ground and he played some good footy at Ganmain this year. They had a pretty good side and were obviously one of the flag favourites for the RFL," Winter said.
North Wagga haven't ruled out further additions but Winter is content with their team.
"I really believe our young list from last year is going to improve again after a full season of first grade and realising how hard it is, and what's required. So I'm really backing them. We're not going out to recruit a heap of players, just fill a few key holes," Winter said.
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