REIGNING premier Albury has trumped a host of rival Ovens and Murray clubs and signed Henty premiership forward Ryan Hon.
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Hon, 22, was on the recruiting radar of several O and M clubs following a dominant five-goal haul in the Swampies’ trouncing of Rand-Walbundrie in last month’s grand final.
The livewire forward said he was excited about the opportunity to join one of country football’s strongest clubs.
“I really enjoyed my time at Henty for the past three years but personally I think it’s time to have a crack at the higher level,” Hon said.
“I had a few offers but as soon as I walked into the club, I knew straight away it was the place I wanted to be.
“I just got that gut instinct Albury was the right fit.”
Hon played in a flag for home club Moama in 2010 before joining Henty in 2012.
He booted 65 goals in his first season with the Swampies before battling injury for the past two seasons.
He missed the second half of last year after a shoulder reconstruction and hurt his knee this year.
Henty took a gamble and recalled Hon for the grand final, despite playing only one quarter since round 14.
He repaid the Swampies’ faith with an electrifying display.
Hon said he would have to take his game to another level to break into the Tigers’ star-studded line-up.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge but I just see that as motivation to grit my teeth and do the hard yards over the pre season,” he said.
“Hopefully if I do the work, I can reap the rewards and break into the side.
“I had a bit of a clean up of the knee after the grand final and the rehab is going well.
“Touchwood my injury woes are behind me and I can play a full season next year.”
Albury has kept most of its premiership list intact, with Andy Carey and Tom Yates the only confirmed departures after joining Farrer league club The Rock-Yerong Creek.