Azzi Medal runner-up Jesse Johnston is heading home to North Albury.
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The 25-year-old is coming off his best season in the Hume league, finishing only two votes behind Howlong ruckman Peter Hancock.
Johnston also played predominantly in the ruck at the Murray Magpies this year, after spending most of the four previous seasons in the forward line.
“My best footy is yet to come, and I am grateful ‘Lambo’ (coach Corey Lambert) gave me the chance to play there,” he said.
It will be an emotional return to the Hoppers for Johnston, after his beloved grandfather Peter Johnston passed away earlier this year.
“It was pretty big at the start of the year, talking to my dad about coming home,” he said.
“Pop was such a big part of the club, and I just felt it was time to return and give the O and M another go.”
Hoppers’ official Mark Hilton said Peter Johnston holds a special place at the club.
“He was around a long time, including our success in the late ‘90s, and early 2000s,” he said.
“He was always a happy character, who provided a lot of fun, and we are happy we can keep the family spirit going with Jesse.”
Johnston played a handful of senior games in the O and M in 2008 under coach Travis Hodgson.
“I was young and immature then, and we all mature at different stages, I feel like I am at that stage now I want to take on that challenge,” he said.
The 199-centimetre ruckman missed the final weeks of this year after breaking his left leg against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla.
“It was not too bad a break in the end, it was a clean one, and a lot better then it looked there at one stage,” he said.
“I have been back at work for three weeks now, and am confident I will be able to start the season.”
Interestingly, Johnston’s best year was also coming off a disrupted pre-season.
He missed the last two months following a work mishap, where a piece of steel pierced his hamstring.
“He will add size and agility, and give us a few more options as well,” Hilton said.
“He played his best football predominantly in the ruck this year, and will provide tremendous support for John Willis and Callum Butler.”
Hilton says the club will target at least one midfielder, as well as a defender, with reliable backman Simon Mitchellhill set to move to Melbourne.
That news comes only a week after the club’s leading goalkicker Ricky Whitehead joined rival, Wodonga.
“We want to increase the talent pool we have at the club,” he said.
“We are looking for a bit of experience, and more leadership as well given we had a very young side this year.
“Leadership, in particular, is one area we are targeting as we look to keep pace in the O and M.”
North started last season superbly, posting four wins from six games, but faded to finish second-last.