Temora's bid to return as a finals contender continues to gather momentum with 2014 premiership player Daniel Leary heading back to the Kangaroos.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leary, a young ruckman in the 'Roos third straight flag, is back home after three years at Turvey Park, which followed four years of experience in Wollongong and Sydney competitions while at university.
The versatile Leary, 25, can line up almost anywyhere, having played some midfield and across half-forward at Turvey Park.
"It's good to be back. It's more of a family decision, living in Temora and with our first child on the way," Leary said.
"I might've still stayed in the RFL otherwise. but I'm looking forward to being back in the Farrer League. I think the standard has improved and it's definitely more physical.
"I don't know where I'll line up, but I'll work on my fitness and hopefully be right to have a go in the middle."
Leary expects a very even league and hopes to help Temora climb back into the top five.
'Roos recruiter, James Durham, was rapt to bring Leary back.
"In the '14 premiership side, he was our ruckman. He's fit, he's athletic, he's well-built, he's got height with speed, a bit of dash," Durham said.
An ankle injury kept Leary to three games last season. He played the short COVID season in 2020 and in 2019 was in Turvey's best in six of his 10 appearances, before a knee injury. Younger brother Lachlan, who was an emerging Temora gun three years ago, remains at Maher Oval.
But the Kangaroos are also bringing Canberra-based small forward Charlie Boyton back. Boyton had two seasons at Temora, kicking 21 goals in 19 games in 2018, and was in the team's best in six games.
He didn't have quite the impact in 2019, kicking 13 goals in 17 games, but adds to Temora's depth, with Sam Jensen and Kieren and Tim Shea also coming back from Canberra.
Leary has been among those at new coach Russell Humphrey's first training sessions following the coach's move to Temora for a pre-Christmas stint.
"I got to town last Tuesday (last week) so we trained last Thursday and we've gone from there. We thought we might as well start," Humphrey said.
"First impressions were good. It went alright. We're mainly doing the fundamentals. A little bit of ball movement and running with the footys. There's a bit of running without the ball but most of it is with it ... get a bit of touch, you need touch. It's been all good."
Temora have also finalised their A grade netball set-up with Meg Reinhold and Ainsley McGrath appointed coaches for 2022.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters