RUTHERGLEN recruit Nick Brockley has signed with Billabong Crows.
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In a surprise move, Brockley lodged a clearance to join the finals bound Crows before the clearance deadline expired on Sunday.
The Crows will be Brockley's fourth club in just over three-and-a-half seasons.
Brockley kicked 64 goals for Brock-Burrum in 2016, 45 for home club Wahgunyah in 2017 and 33 from 10 matches for the Saints last year.
He joined Rutherglen on the eve of this season and has struggled for form with 11 goals from eight matches.
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Crows coach Al Austin said Brockley would bolster their attack and help ease the workload on key forward Nathan Cook.
"It's all happened fairly quickly but all indications are that Rutherglen are happy to let him go," Austin said.
"He is the type of player we need if we are going to challenge the other finals contenders.
"We have got Cookie (Nathan) at centre half-forward but we can't expect him to do it all and need another strong marking target.
"Obviously when Nick is up and firing he's hard to stop and is a more than handy goalkicker."
Austin said Brockley has close ties to the Crows after playing for Oaklands as a junior and attending primary school in the town.
"He went to school with a fair few of our players including Mark Beale, Tim Austin, Hayden Dalitz and Angus Bourchier," he said.
Brockley is yet to train with his new club and if cleared is not expected to play until after next week's general bye.
"Nick is injured at the moment and is a few weeks off playing," he said.
"Hopefully he is right to go after the bye."
The Crows have proven to be the biggest surprise packets of the season to sit fourth with a 7-4 record.
They can further consolidate their lofty position with upcoming matches against CDHBU, Lockhart, Murray Magpies and Howlong.
The Crows have never previously played finals in the Hume league.
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