WAGGA Tigers coach Murray Stephenson is confident the club will again have a squad capable of pressing for a top three spot as the future of a couple of key players remains unclear.
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Former best and fairest Brendan Myers has already confirmed he will play in the Sydney competition this year given his partner, Tigers netballer Rhiannon Podmore, has work placement commitments for university.
Charlie Bance may also leave Wagga for similar reasons while young defender Reid Gordon is also unconfirmed to return to Robertson Oval.
Stephenson, who won Coolamon's best and fairest in 2013 before departing to play SANFL, capped his return to the Riverina League by being crowned the Tigers best at their recent vote count, ahead of fast-finishing forward Jock Cornell.
The Tigers are looking for a little more depth across the ground, but a key position forward capable of playing in the ruck is a priority.
Stephenson said the club is talking to a handful of players and is confident they can replace any players who may depart.
"We're hopeful those guys will stay around, but if people want a sea change that's fair enough. We'll just try and hold onto what we've got, and grab a couple," Stephenson said.
"Charlie for example, his partner is moving up to Queensland for study, if it so happens he goes up there we understand it.
"We're going alright, recruiting wise we're in the mix for a couple of guys we're hopeful we can get signatures off, and bring them to our footy club."
Tom Osmotherly was the Tigers' sole specialist ruckman last year, with the likes of Cornell and Nathan Cooke providing support at times.
Osmotherly has dealt with shoulder issues the past couple of seasons, which makes finding a steady back-up even more important.
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"We probably need a bit of extra coverage in most areas of the ground I think," Stephenson said.
"Everyone's screaming out for a big guy, in our terms it's probably a ruckman/key position forward.
"It would lighten the load of Brady Morton and Cooper Pavitt who probably play undersized as key position players, but give Osmo a chop out in the ruck.
"That's probably the big one for us, but other than that losing Brendy (Myers) and replacing guys that might not be there next year."
Cornell didn't play football last year when based in Melbourne and took some time to his his straps with the Tigers, but was superb in the back end of the season.
Stephenson is confident they will get a huge year out of him after he was named in their best for the last four games of they year.
"We probably didn't factor in (early in the season) he hadn't played much footy the 18 months previous. He reckons he didn't pick up a football, no even going to the park for a kick," Stephenson said.
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