COROWA-Rutherglen has emerged as a darkhorse for Ovens and Murray finals action after luring Woodville-West Torrens premiership player Stephen Tiller.
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Only 24 hours after announcing the signing of North Launceston ruckman Paul O’Shea, the Roos landed another coup by striking a deal with the SANFL club to have Tiller released from his contract.
O’Shea and Tiller played together at the Western Bulldogs with Roos coach Shaun Mooney confident the signings will provide huge impetus heading into the start of the season.
“It’s fantastic,” Mooney said.
“Stephen’s had some experience at AFL level and is going to be great in helping our young guys.
“He loves the country life and that was a big thing in him coming here.
“Last year we went into the season underdone in regards key position players and Stephen Tiller and Paul O’Shea are going to be a big help in that regard.
“It’s exciting for the club.”
Tiller, 24, was recruited by the Western Bulldogs from West Adelaide with pick No.54 in the 2004 draft and played 15 senior AFL matches before being cut in 2010.
He battled a groin injury throughout last season and then, after Woodville-West Torrens defeated Central District in the grand final, had a shoulder operation.
The utility originally planned to retire, but moved back to Melbourne and is now expected to relocate to the Border in coming months.
Mooney said he planned to play Tiller at centre half-back despite him playing predominantly as a forward last season.
“We have spoken about that and I think that’s where he will be good for us at the moment,” he said.
“As far as we are aware Stephen and Paul will be available for one or two of our practice matches.”
Tiller and O’Shea’s signings continue the influx of former AFL and VFL players including Brendan Fevola (Yarrawonga), Patty Rose, Ben Davies and David Stretton (Wodonga Raiders), Ed Barlow and Matt Grossman (Wangaratta) and James Saker and Brant Dickson (Lavington).
