Hauling back stars in abundance to the twin towns leaves club president Craig Thompson quietly confident heading towards the first bounce.
“The mood is really good at the moment; we have a committed local group keen for success in 2021,” Thompson said.
“We had a great recruiting drive in 2020 and we’ve added a few more for this season.
“We’re expecting big things out of our seniors and reserves this year.”
The Hoppers have added Goulburn Valley League talent in hard-running defender Josh Wild from Shepparton Swans as well as luring Shepparton premiership player Jordan McGregor back home.
“We are expecting big things from former Hopper Jordy McGregor and Josh Wild is super fit,” Thompson said.
“We also have the son of 200-gamer Peter Barnard in John Barnard, who has brought his friend Leighroy Wellington with him.”
Retaining its 2020 signings, which include a quartet of Euroa footballers, only bolsters Murchison-Toolamba’s existing playing list.
The recruitment process has been backed up by a nod to youth, with Thompson mentioning their prospects vying for a senior gig would supplement the hotly-contested intra-club atmosphere in 2021.
“We are looking for big things out of our thirds graduates, especially Aaron Miller, Brent Jones, Nick Watt and Connor Guy-Smith,” he said.
“It is going to create selection pressure which is always great to have.”
FAST FACTS
COACH: NICK IORIANNI 2019 FINISH: FOURTH (12-4) 2019 BEST AND FAIREST: LUKE CECCHIN 2019 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAMES MILNE (57) GROUND: MURCHISON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS
In: James Ivill, Klay Giovannini, Brad Gleeson, Rob Wilson (Euroa), Stephen Burns (Shepparton East), Jordan McGregor (Shepparton), Leighroy Wellington (Rupertswood), John Barnard (Rupertswood), Josh Wild (Shepparton Swans), Brayden McGregor, Tom Durward, Xavier Dwyer.
Out: Dylan Moncur (Undera), Luke Armstrong (Congupna), Mitchell Tricarico (Dampier Sharks), Chris Oliver (retired).
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