High profile recruits Jesse Johnston and Michael Thompson set to go head-to-head
TOP DOG: Jesse Johnston should prove to be one of the recruits of the year by season's end if he can stay injury free. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
IT was high-profile recruits Michael Thompson and Trent Castles who attracted the most headlines in the Tallangatta league over the off-season.
But the one recruit who has flown largely under the radar and could potentially have the biggest impact for his side is Jesse Johnston.
Johnston arrived at the kennel this year from North Albury after the former Murray Magpie finished runner-up in the 2016 Azzi medal behind Peter Hancock.
The 28-year-old feels he has taken his game to a higher level with the benefit of two seasons in the Ovens and Murray.
"Definitely, playing with and against the best players in the district and being under some handy coaches has helped my development," Johnston said.
Johnston has been appointed assistant coach under Brett Doswell after co-coaches Jamarl O'Sullivan and Jayden Kotzur stepped down after last years grand final defeat.
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The former coaches will play with the Bulldogs again this season.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of assistant coach and helping Dos (Doswell) and learning as much as I can," he said.
"There is a lot of experience at the club with Jarrod Twitt and Brad Thompson there as well."
Thurgoona lacked firepower in last years decider after full-forward Matt Fowler was well held and classy forward Sam Cross missed the entire finals series with a knee complaint.
Johnston has been earmarked to play centre half-forward as well as provide a chop out in the ruck with fellow big man Bryton Garth.
In an enticing match-up Johnston expects to get boom Hawks recruit Michael Thompson as his opponent.
Thompson has returned to his junior club after winning seven flags with Ovens and Murray powerhouse Albury.
He is expected to take the mantle as the No. 1 defender in the Tallangatta league.
The Hawks are set to unfurl their premiership flag before the replay of last years decider.
Johnston tipped both sides will progress deep into September again this year.
"We definitely expect to be thereabouts and feel we have got the list to challenge for the flag but you still need your fair share of luck with injuries," he said.
"Playing Kiewa first-up will give us a good indication of where we are at and these are the sorts of games you want to be involved in as a footballer.
"Grand final replay, fierce rivals, I dare say it's going to be a hot footy to win early."
Johnston said Cross loomed as an X-Factor for the Bulldogs this season.
"We expect him to be one of our better players this season," he said.
"It's fair to say he has been flying on the track all pre-season."
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