JINDERA has bolstered its big man stocks in the countdown to the Hume league season by signing Michael Blomeley and Angus McDiarmid.
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Blomeley, 26, returns to his junior club for the first time since 2012 after spending 2013 with Wodonga Raiders and playing with Queensland club Caloundra last year.
The versatile tall played a key role in the Bulldogs’ two most recent flags in 2008 and 2011.
McDiarmid, 23, last played in the Hume league in 2011 for fierce rival Culcairn before relocating to Geelong for study.
The spring-heeled McDiarmid has had three seasons off but has the ability to play as a ruckman as well as a strong marking key forward.
Bulldogs coach Josh Walker said the pair, alongside other prized recruits in Toby Blissett and Sam Myors, would help fill the void left by the departure of best and fairest winner Matt McDonald and Nick Nott (Wodonga Raiders), Tom Weldon (North Albury) and Ash Murray (Murray Magpies).
“We lost a few players before Christmas but we are really happy to sign two proven performers in Mick and Angus,” Walker said.
“Obviously Mick will also provide plenty of experience and leadership qualities and will slot nicely into our defence.
“Angus gives us another big body and has bulked up considerably since he was last running around in the Hume league.
“He had a couple of years off but is really keen and excited to be back playing footy again.”
Walker said he was making good progress from a fractured knee cap suffered in the opening round last year that forced him to miss the entire season.
Wade McPherson (knee), Michael Bain (broken leg) and Nathan Chamings (broken leg) also missed large chunks of last year with long-term injuries.
“After narrowly missing finals last year we would be disappointed not to make finals this season,” he said.
“A few key injuries was probably the difference in the end.
“But there was probably about 10 sides capable of playing finals last year and early indications are this season will be no different.”
The Bulldogs will have an intraclub hitout on March 14 before playing Rutherglen the following Saturday.
They will play Turvey Park on March 28 before the season opener against Henty on April 11.
