ALBURY has signed star Benalla goalkicker Josh Mellington.
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In arguably the recruiting coup of the off-season, Mellington, 22, has committed to the Tigers for the next three years.
The 187-centimetre forward kicked 111 goals in Benalla’s historic Goulburn Valley league premiership this season.
Josh is a huge talent who came to us through his close connection with Daniel Maher from Benalla
- Shaun Daly
“I probably could have gone to other clubs for more money, but obviously everyone knows the culture at Albury and the professional side of it,” Mellington said.
“I grew up watching Daniel Maher play and he was a big part in it as well.
“I’m rapt to be joining the Tiges.”
Mellington said it was difficult leaving Benalla after it won its first flag since 1973.
“It’s hard to leave Benalla but for me future-wise it’s in my best interests to move on,” he said.
“I have left with no hard feelings or anything like that.
“I few things with work just haven’t eventuated.
“It was massive for Benalla to win its first flag in 40-odd years so it was great to be a part of that.”
Mellington grew up playing for Violet Town and spent his two TAC Cup seasons at Benalla when he wasn’t lining up for the Murray Bushrangers.
He was then picked up by Fremantle in the 2010 draft with selection 56 and played six matches before being delisted in 2013.
Mellington also played in a premiership with West Perth.
The sharp-shooter returned to Benalla midway through 2014 and booted 56 goals in 13 matches.
Albury co-coach Shaun Daly said Mellington would add another dimension to the defending premier’s attack.
“Josh is a huge talent who came to us through his close connection with Daniel Maher from Benalla,” Daly said.
“He has been following ‘Mahery’ and the Albury Football Club for a couple of years.
“We were looking for some height and Josh can play tall or small and a number of positions.”
Albury has endured mixed fortunes in the recruiting stakes over the off-season.
It has picked up Sam Schulz (Greater Western Sydney), Simon Thomas (Uni Blacks) and Alex Jones (Murray Magpies).
Schulz is unlikely to play next season after undergoing a knee reconstruction.
On the debit side, Albury has lost Justin Carey, Will Smith, Will Haberecht, Bobby Griffiths, Dom Brew and Hayden Dalitz.
