MITTA United enforcer James Gray has signed with Howlong.
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In a huge coup, Gray, 29, committed on the weekend and is set to form part of an already imposing attack comprising Josh Dicketts, Jesse Dale and Syd Leatham.
Howlong coach Joel Price previously played alongside Gray at Ainslie and was instrumental in the Spiders landing the prized signing.
“I used to live with James in Canberra and also started working with him last month,” Price said.
“So one thing led to another, and I’m thrilled he’s decided to jump on board.
“It’s an exciting prospect to be able to have Gray, Dicketts, Dale and Leatham all in the same forward line and should prove difficult for the opposition to match them all up.
“James is fairly versatile and also has the ability to play key back, depending who the opposition is at the time.
“He has played a lot of footy and his experience and leadership will be a huge asset as well.”
Gray has booted 160 goals for Mitta United over the past three seasons and also played a key role in the Blues most recent flag in 2012.
In a further bonus the Spiders have also signed Walla midfielder Shaun Fitzpatrick and Kiewa Sandy Creek youngster Jackson Bird.
Fitzpatrick took out the Hoppers’ best and fairest this year and will provide some dash from across half-back or a wing.
Former Walla coach Trent Ball has also crossed to Howlong as an assistant coach.
Daniel Sharp (shoulder) and Chris Van Zanten (broken ankle) will be like recruits after missing a large chunk of the season with injury.
After making the preliminary final the Spiders look well poised to improve further with Cody Hunt the only confirmed departure.
Price is confident of announcing two further recruits including a centre half-back before Christmas.
“A key defender is high on the wish-list and we should have one locked in by the next week or so,” he said.
“If we can land both of them, that will be pretty much be the end of our recruiting.”
I used to live with James in Canberra and also started working with him last month. So one thing, led to another and I’m thrilled he’s decided to jump on board. It’s an exciting prospect ... He has played a lot of footy and his experience and leadership will be a huge asset as well. JOEL PRICE