The Hoppers sorely missed the experienced big man last year after a knee injury sidelined him for most of the campaign, but he still plans to play a handful of matches in 2022 despite his move north.

Co-coach Mark Carroll said the current plan is to give youngster Gerard Okerenyang more responsibility in the ruck when Atkin isn't available after he played in a handful of games last year.

Will McGowan, who also enjoyed a cameo in first grade last year, is another who may get more game time.

Experienced ruckmen are difficult to come by, with Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes also losing the services of Sam De Sousa after his move to Darwin.

"Akers (Atkin) has moved back to Newcastle with his family but he's still very keen to play with us, he loves the place," Carroll said.

"We spoke to him about what he's going to be able to do and he's said he's not sure how many games he will be back for. It depends on work but he wants to get back for as many games as he can.

"We'll have to replace him with someone else in the ruck when he's not there. But we've got a lot of time for young Gerard Okerenyang.

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"We're confident he can step up to the plate and improve. We'll get a few games into him.

"We're happy with what we've got at the minute with 'Akers' playing as many games as he can, and Gerard.

"He's a fit and strong young lad with a good leap, and is very keen to learn.

"He's got great ability in athletics but wants to improve his footy. He's a good listener and wants to get better."

But it's like anything, if a big man drops on your doorstep they're hard to find."

Coolamon have recruited well, headlined by former Eastlake ball magnet Shae Darcy and former Sydney University skipper Allister Clarke, both midfielders.

Carroll expects most of the Hoppers' improvement to come from youngsters like Cooper McKelvie, Braeden Glyde, Alex Carroll, Matt Bradley, Nick Buchanan and Jake Fifield.

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