EMERGING force Holbrook has signed four-time Albury premiership player John Mitchell.
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In one of the recruiting coups of the Hume league off-season, Mitchell arrives at Holbrook after spending most of the past decade at Albury Sportsground.
Mitchell played in the Tigers' 2011 premiership as well as the hat-trick of flags from 2014-16.
The livewire was forced to miss this season due to family reasons after the arrival of twins early in the year.
In a further bonus, the Brookers have also signed developing key position player Logan Hamilton from Lavington.
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Coach Matt Sharp said Mitchell would add a touch of class to the Brookers' young list.
"It's a massive signing for the club," Sharp said.
"The stars sort of aligned for us.
"With a young family John couldn't commit to the higher level of O&M.
"He does a bit of work in Holbrook and has already got a few mates at the club including Lachie Trethowan who he played alongside at Albury."
Sharp said he had encountered first-hand how damaging Mitchell could be after playing in two losing grand finals against him during his time at Lavington.
Mitchell was among the Tigers' best in the 2015 decider.
"I played in two losing grand finals against Albury in 2015 and 2016," Sharp said.
"The thing that caught my eye with John is his leg speed and he doesn't waste too many opportunities in front of goal.
"He is exactly what we are after if we are going to take that next step.
"I expect John to play predominantly in the midfield and then prove dangerous when resting forward."
After losing in the second week of the finals this year, Holbrook look the most logical danger to Osborne who will start the new season as flag favourites.
The Brookers boast a young, talented list with the only confirmed departure best and fairest winner Sam Harris.
They have also signed Luke Gestier who is a former O&M representative.
"While we are excited to land a couple of big signings, it will be the development of our kids that determines how far we can progress," Sharp said.
"A lot of the kids were exposed to senior football this year and are only going to get better with experience."
