ARRIVALS
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Jeff Garlett (Melbourne), Blake Bray (returning to football), Jacob and Lucas Conlan and Isaac Campbell (Griffith), Shaun Driscoll (Wagga Tigers), Jai Reed (Narooma)
DEPARTURES
Elliott Powell (Dederang-Mt Beauty), Chris Hyde (retired), Joel Mackie (Osborne), Brady Morton (Geelong), Fraser Duryea (South Barwon), Ben McIntosh (Wangaratta Rovers), Ollie McEwan (Northcote Park), Cooper Page (Essendon and District league)
QUESTION AND ANSWER WITH BRAYDEN O'HARA
Q: It's an even competition but is there a standout side?
A: Obviously a lot of people are talking about Myrtleford and I think they will be a really strong side. They have picked up some good players on top of what they already had in making the prelim. Lavington hasn't lost too many either, apart from Shaun Mannagh. They are always strong and well coached and I think they will be right up there as well.
Q: Who has impressed you out of the Albury recruits?
A: We have a few good ones on board. Jacob Conlan from Griffith looks strong and will probably play mainly forward. He looks pretty dangerous.
Q: You must be rapt to get former Melbourne star Jeff Garlett?
A: Definitely. It's always good to get someone like that and I can't wait to play in the forward-line with him to see what he does. He should be fantastic for the footy club.
Q: There has been a changing of the guard at Albury. How do you think you are shaping up?
A: Really well. The boys have been training well. There has been some real speed come into the side with some of the younger players.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
ARE THE TIGERS A SPENT FORCE?
Not by a long shot. While some of the club's modern-day greats like Joel Mackie and Chris Hyde have moved on, there is still plenty of A-grade talent in the line-up. The league heavyweight had no luck with injuries during last year's ill-fated finals campaign with Alex Jones, Jake Gaynor, Lachie Taylor-Nugent and others playing under duress.
HOW WILL THE TIGERS USE JEFF GARLETT IN HIS FIRST SEASON AT THE SPORTSGROUND?
If Albury is flying, expect to see the former leading Melbourne and Carlton goalkicker playing out of the square with Jacob Conlan and Brayden O'Hara lurking nearby. Co-coaches Tom McGrath and Luke Daly are also likely to use him through the midfield, particularly with Elliott Powell being cleared to Tallangatta and District league club Dederang-Mt Beauty.
CAN JAKE GAYNOR RETURN TO HIS 2018 FORM?
He's certainly made a good start over pre-season. The rover has been one of the track stars, along with Michael Duncan and Brayden O'Hara, and is clearly setting himself for a big season after being hampered by niggling injuries last year.
WHERE WILL ALBURY'S IMPROVEMENT COME FROM?
The younger crew. Ben Kelly, Jessy Wilson, Riley Bice and Jay Hillary have all been through the Murray Bushrangers system and shown plenty of talent. If they can perform at a consistent level in the Ovens and Murray, the Tigers will be knocking on the door for a tilt at another flag.
HOW BIG A HOLE WILL HYDE AND MACKIE LEAVE?
Massive. The pair have been all class since arriving at Albury in 2009 and deserve to be rated among the Tigers' all-time greats. Hyde and Mackie saved some of their best performances for the big stage, winning Did Simpson medals in 2009 and 2015 respectively. Hyde (2017) and Mackie (2012 and 2015) also won the league's highest individual honour. Oh yeah, seven flags each wasn't a bad return either.
