MURRAY Magpies have lured North Albury defender Alex Freeman to Urana Road Oval.
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Freeman missed this season with a shoulder injury after playing 14 senior games for the Hoppers last year.
He is expected to strengthen the Magpies’ back six as a key defender.
In a further bonus, enigmatic forward Ash Murray has also crossed to the Murray Magpies from rival club Jindera.
Murray struggled to crack a regular senior berth for the Bulldogs this season but kicked 79 goals the previous year at full-forward.
The strong marking forward will bolster the Magpies’ attack, which relied heavily on Jesse Johnston and Nicholas Sheridan last season to kick a winning score.
Magpies coach Corey Lambert said both players should prove to be handy additions.
“Alex missed this season but the previous year was one of North Albury’s best defenders,” he said.
“He is versatile and will provide us with more flexibility.
“Ash for one reason or another struggled a bit this year with form and fitness.
“He was looking for a fresh start and is a proven performer in the Hume league after booting close to 80 goals the previous year.”
After claiming the wooden spoon last year, the Magpies made significant improvement to finish ninth with a 7-11 record in Lambert’s first season.
The Magpies have emerged as the off-season pacesetters with a host of quality signings including dual Albury premiership player Josh Maher, Wodonga Raiders midfielder Danyl Woods and ruckman DJ Oates.
Dual North Albury best and fairest winner Brad Horn and defenders Ryan Johnson and Josh Senior will also be like recruits.