The Road has welcomed back former assistant coach and best-and-fairest winner Alex Overs, who last played with the side in 2018, while previously committed Goulburn Valley League talent remains headed to the side after missing the 2020 season through coronavirus.
Dustin Blake, who last played under-18 football with Mooroopna in 2019, is on board and will bring speed to the senior line-up, while Hugo Ingham and Ash Philipps (Shepparton) and Zavier Ballis (Tatura) remain on the books after committing for the 2020 season.
And with star talents Daniel Campbell and Josh Chapman also re-signing, The Road will be looking to build on its 2019 preliminary final appearance, where it was handily beaten by eventual premier Nathalia.
● Deniliquin Rams are also welcoming some serious talent, with former VFL on-baller Blair Whelan committing to the side for next season.
Whelan, a former Ram, joins brother Josh at the side after last playing with the team in 2013.
He spent 2012 and 2013 with former VFL side North Ballarat with the Rams as his home club — and he said playing with family and friends at his junior club was particularly appealing.
“‘There’s a lot of excitement around the club at the moment and a lot of former players returning,” he said.
“This is the club where my old man is a life member and I’d always planned to return. I think now is the right time. As a club we have a great culture and we are heading in a really strong direction.”
Co-coach Tim Holobowski said Whelan brought genuine professionalism to an emerging group.
“Blair’s a quality player and a quality person,” Holobowski said.
“We’re big on recruiting quality people, and Blair’s certainly that, and his family has played a massive part at our club for a long time.
“What a lot of people may not know is how hard Blair works on his fitness and match preparation, which is something we’re looking to improve as a group. He’s an elite runner and sets a great example on and off the field.”
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