Former Essendon rookie Bryce Carroll at a community camp in Albury in 2009.
FORMER Essendon rookie Bryce Carroll will play for Albury this season.
Carroll, who managed only two matches last year with Queensland club Aspley due to injury, shapes as a vital goalkicking midfielder as the Tigers attempt to stay in touch with Ovens and Murray pacesetter Yarrawonga.
Originally from the Doutta Stars, Carroll attracted the attention of AFL talent scouts playing for the Western Jets in 2008 when he finished 12th in the TAC Cup goalkicking.
He was snapped up by the Bombers with pick 5 in the rookie draft later that year.
Albury coach Chris Hyde said yesterday Carroll would add further depth to the Tigers’ midfield.
“We got a bit lucky with Bryce,” Hyde said yesterday.
“A call was made and then one thing led to another and he’s landed on our doorstep really.
“It’s a real bonus for the club.
“He’s played some good footy, he’s a good bloke and is another young player who will fit in well.”
Carroll, 22, played for Aspley in 2010 and last year and spent time with VFL club Northern Bullants in 2011 when he played a handful of senior matches under former Wodonga Raiders coach Darren Harris.
Albury has managed to cover most its off-season losses with Dean Polo, Matthew Shir, John Mitchell, Linton Congram and Carroll set to replace Shaun Daly, Sam Milne, Jay Koehler, Justin Carey, Josh Merkel, Heath Caldwell, Tom Yates and Mark Bush.