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BRAD Ottens says he wants to play for Yarrawonga this year.
In what shapes as a telling blow in the Ovens and Murray flag race, the Pigeons are on the verge of signing the three-time premiership star in a deal that will see the former Geelong ace play a handful of matches, plus finals, for the reigning premier.
Ottens, 33, said he was hopeful of playing at least a couple of games at J.C. Lowe Oval this year.
“I’d say it’s a fair chance,” Ottens revealed.
“It’s just how many games I can play which is what I’m working out at the moment.
“I’d like to but, as I said, it all depends.
“Hopefully, it’s all sorted in a week or so.
“It’s pretty likely.”
Yarrawonga president Glenn Brear kept his cards close to his chest yesterday but said the Pigeons hoped to make an announcement about a high-profile recruit soon.
The impending arrival of the former All Australian will only further boost the Pigeons’ profile after a stellar season last year that saw them net the premiership on the back of a 110-goal season from dual Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola.
Yarrawonga will boast seven former AFL players on its list, should Ottens put pen to paper.
Kayne Pettifer, Craig Ednie, Steve McKee, Tim Hargreaves, Michael Stevens and Fevola all played at the highest level.
Together, they have amassed 776 matches of AFL football.
Returning Pigeon Luke Hammond was drafted by Brisbane in 2000 but didn’t play a senior game.
Ottens spent last season with Newtown and Chilwell in the Geelong football league.
He played 14 games and kicked 41 goals playing alongside former Geelong teammates Ryan Gamble and Max Rooke.
“I really enjoyed it,” Ottens said.
Another former premiership Cat, David Wojcinski, recently signed for the Eagles.
Ottens is part of the NSW-ACT Rams setup and works alongside former Albury players Tadhg Kennelly and Luke Carroll.
Those commitments, plus a new part-time coaching role with the Cats, are proving the sticking points as to how many games he can play for the Pigeons.
The 202-centimetre, who played 245 games at Richmond and Geelong, was an All-Australian in 2001.