Schulz, who ruptured his ACL at the end of the Giants’ reserves NEAFL campaign, wasn’t expected to play this season when he signed a three-year deal with the Tigers.

But, Albury co-coach Shaun Daly said Schulz was recovering from the serious knee injury and was a small chance to feature late in the season with the Tigers expected to push deep into September after winning five of the past seven flags.

“He hasn't been written off,” he said.

“There is a chance, albeit it might be small.

“Depending on how his recovery goes, he might not play a game or he might play a few games.”

Daly said Schulz had impressed in his role as a development coach at the Albury Sportsground

“He's really helping the younger guys out at the club,” he said.

“We've got a really young group at the moment so we are just trying to fast-track them and develop them as much as we can at the moment.

“Sammy obviously comes with good experience after five years on GWS’ list.

“He's been really good so far.”

Schulz was drafted to the Giants from Culcairn and played his sole AFL match against Richmond in 2012.

He joins former AFL players Daniel Cross and Josh Mellington in a productive off-season for the reigning premiers.

Cross hopes to play at least five matches in between commitments as Melbourne’s match-day runner while Mellington will add another attacking weapon to the Tigers’ forward line.

Albury will open its premiership defence in a grand final replay against Lavington under lights on Good Friday.