GIANT Murray Magpies ruckman Tom Osmotherly has knocked back a swag of offers to sign with Wagga Tigers.
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Osmotherly turned plenty of heads in his debut season in the Hume league and became a prime recruiting target with his height and mobility.
His friendship with former Wodonga Raiders and Tigers recruit Jackson Kelly proved telling in the decision.
Osmotherly finished fourth in Murray Magpies best and fairest after playing 15 matches.
It was the 23-year-old’s first full season in some time after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction when at Rutherglen the year before.
Originally from Western Australia, Osmotherly is looking forward to a fresh start at Tigers.
“It came about through ‘Jacko’ (Kelly) jokingly mentioning it but towards the end of the season he was still carrying on about it,” Osmotherly said with a laugh.
“He signed a week or two ago and then I met with Paul (Kelly) and signed up as well.
“I think just getting to play with ‘Jacko’ will be good.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge, it will be something a bit different, heading to Wagga to play.
“It will be a good challenge and good fun.”
Coach Troy Maiden said the 203cm Osmotherly would be a good acquisition in the Riverina league.
“There’s not a great deal of big guys floating around so we’re happy to have him,” he said.
Former Corowa-Rutherglen player and Narrandera ruckman Jarred Lane won the Riverina league’s Jim Quinn medal this season.
It was a stunning win considering his side failed to win a match.
Murray Magpies have lost Trent Logue to Culcairn but have retained two-time best and fairest winner Daniel Maher.
Holbrook speedster Curtis Steele has joined Farrer Football League club Coleambally.
Originally from Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, Steele has spent the past two years with the Brookers with the long-kicking midfielder showing flashes of brilliance.
He will join former teammate Mitch Carroll.
Holbrook has also lost Andrew Mackinlay and Brad Carman to Ovens and Murray club Lavington.
Coach Matt Sharp has several recruits on the radar with an announcement expected to be made shortly.
Meanwhile, Hume league officials have asked clubs to put forward their requests for next season’s draw.
The league will hold its annual general meeting on November 14.