GANMAIN-Grong Grong-Matong coach Sam Martyn says they won't be looking to land any "big fish" and will back in last year's squad to get the job done after the Lions lured more depth from Farrer League clubs.
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Half forward-midfielder Jeremy Piercy (East Wagga Kooringal) has joined the Lions, while half back-ruck Dylan Cook has returned to the fold after a season at The Rock-Yerong Creek.
Teenage half-back Jackson Casley (North Wagga) is another newcomer after he played a couple of Sunday lower grade games for the Lions on permit last season.
GGGM claimed the minor premiership on percentage from Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes last year, but were denied a shot at a Riverina League flag after COVID forced the finals series to be abandoned.
The Lions began pre season training this week, and will field a very similar squad, aside from key forward Riley Corbett (SANFL) and backman Jono Neville.
Martyn hopes Cook can help fill the void left by Neville, and is confident a fully fit George Alexander can help overcome Corbett's departure after most of his season was hampered by a broken foot.
"Last year showed we're more than capable with the list we have," Martyn said.
"The only losses are Jono and Riley, who are obviously two very good footballer players. But we didn't have Riley for a lot of last year and George was on one foot, and we've basically re-signed everyone on our list."
Martyn said Cook, Piercy and Casley were all looking for a bigger challenge, and the added depth could be handy given the impact COVID threatens to have on player availability during the campaign.
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"It was really about filling needs rather than going after a big fish, and backing the team we had in. We were so close, we definitely have a team that can go all the way," he said.
"Losing Jono, we needed to shore up our depth in that area so Dylan fills a need for us.
"He can roll through the ruck, which is really good for us too.
"Piercy played some first grade for them (Hawks) last year and was looking for a challenge. He's a half forward or midfielder and will add more depth to our team.
"Casley's come through the Giants Academy and the games he played at Ganmain (last year), I certainly saw some promise in him maybe playing some senior footy this year."
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