WANGARATTA Rovers have pulled off a double coup by signing former AFL players Jarrad Boumann and James Mulligan.
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Boumann, who played two games for Hawthorn last year, and Mulligan, who played three games for the Western Bulldogs in 2011, will significantly boost the Hawks’ chances of pushing up the ladder after finishing fourth this season.
Boumann joins the Hawks from Casey Cardinia league club Doveton while Mulligan spent last season at Western Region league outfit Hoppers Crossing.
Rovers president Andrew Smith said Boumann (196 centimetres) and Mulligan (199 centimetres) could play at either end of the ground.
“We really wanted to strengthen our big-man department so Jarrad and James will fit the bill nicely,” Smith said.
“They’re big and mobile and the experience they will bring to our younger guys after being on AFL lists will be invaluable.
“We’re really excited to have them on board.”
But the star pair’s signing has been offset by the loss of Sam Caruso and Lachie Raven to Pascoe Vale.
Caruso returned to the Hawks from VFL club Williamstown at the end of 2011 to play under father Mick.
The prolific midfielder enjoyed two strong seasons at W.J. Findlay Oval.
Mick recently stood down as coach of the Hawks.
Raven, a running defender, is another junior product of the club who is also living in Melbourne.
Caruso and Raven will be joined at the Essendon and District league club by two-time Yarrawonga premiership player Nick Lawless next season.
Lawless leaves Yarrawonga after two fruitful seasons at J.C. Lowe Oval.
The speedster became a vital cog in the most successful side in the club’s history as the Pigeons claimed back-to-back flags for the first time.
Travel was a major factor in all three players deciding to stay in the city next season.
Yarrawonga co-coach Chris Kennedy said Lawless left the Pigeon coop with the club’s best wishes.
“It’s a big effort to travel from Melbourne,” Kennedy explained.
“He leaves with our best wishes and the door is always open for him here.”
