COROWA-Rutherglen coach Terry Burgess has declared the Roos “way ahead of last season” after landing four players from the Riverina league.
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Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong key forward James Lawton has signed for two seasons as assistant-coach with teammates Adam Cullen and Brandon Rigney and Narrandera’s Brent Rose also committing.
The Roos will have to wait until late May to see Lawton and Cullen in action following their involvement in a brawl against Leeton-Whitton last season.
Lawton, 25, kicked 91 goals in 25 games for GGGM over the past two seasons and was targeted by clubs throughout Victoria and NSW.
“To get four guys who want to test themselves at this level is fantastic,” Burgess said.
To get four guys who want to test themselves at this level is just fantastic
- Terry Burgess
“They are all between the ages of 23 and 26 and we didn’t have a single player in that category last season.
“It will be good because they will give us support in key areas of the ground which will take some pressure off the younger blokes.
“We are way ahead of last season and hopefully this sends a good, positive message to others who are considering testing themselves in the Ovens and Murray.”
Lawton played in GGGM’s 2008 premiership as a youngster before tasting success with TAC Cup side Calder Cannons the following year.
He then played senior football with Coburg, Central District and Glenelg before returning to the Riverina league in 2015.
Lawton looks set to play at centre half-forward with Cullen, Rigney and Rose to be used through the midfield and across half-back.
Cullen, 23, played in a Central District reserve grade flag in 2012, Rigney has represented the South Australian Indigenous side and Rose has Riverina league representative experience.
Veteran Lee Schmidt is the biggest loss at John Foord Oval with the forward signing as coach of Berrigan.
“I think the wheel is starting to turn a bit,” Burgess said.
“We blooded 18 kids last season and feel with that experience and another pre-season we will look to improve.
“There are other recruits in the pipeline and we are just waiting.
“The club is getting hold of grants with a new netball court and there is a master plan in place in regards to the redevelopment of the facilities of John Foord Oval.”
Corowa-Rutherglen start training on Wednesday.