Boyle, who looms as one of the signings of the off-season after starring with VFL club Werribee last year, believes the entire Magpies’ list will need to pull together to cover the hole left by the 2007 Morris medallist, who cruelly had his career cut short when he suffered a serious knee injury in last year’s elimination final.

“He’s a great player and I don’t think I’m anywhere near that good,” Boyle said yesterday.

“I haven’t really had a chat with Judd (Porter) yet about where he wants me to play and that will probably happen soon, but I’ll play wherever he asks and do all I can.

“I might play in the midfield or on a flank depending on how the team shapes up.

“I’m just happy to be at Wangaratta and, after doing a full preseason at Werribee, can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

Boyle, 21, is expected to be a part of a new-look Wangaratta midfield following the departure of McCormick, Jesse Smith and Michael Hooper.

Boyle is looking forward to building on the three senior matches he played for the Magpies when free of Murray Bushrangers commitments in 2007.

He won a spot on Port Adelaide’s rookie list at the end of that season and spent 2008 with Central Districts where he was hampered by hamstring tendonitis.

Boyle spoke to Benalla before deciding to return to the Norm Minns Oval earlier this month.

“I had a chat with Benalla, but I played junior footy at Wangaratta and loved it and thought it would be best for my football,” he said.

“I’m doing uni in Albury and it just worked out well to play here.

“It’s a young side and hopefully I can do my bit.”

Boyle, whose father David played in Wangaratta’s 1976 premiership team, played 15 senior matches for Werribee last season and will find himself in the centre square with fellow recruit Brendan Liddell.

Magpie coach Judd Porter plans to experiment with his team in their practice match against Yarrawonga.