IMPOSING ruckman Brodie A'vard will reignite his Ovens and Murray career with Albury.
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A'vard, who showed glimpses of his best form for Wodonga Raiders in 2019, looks set to form a potent ruck combination with Zach Bye who will return from a knee reconstruction.
The 29-year-old played for Barooga this year.
Albury co-coach Luke Daly said he had witnessed first-hand the impact A'vard can have on matches.
"We're rapt to have him on board," Daly said.
"He's played at the level before and I know playing against him he gave us a few headaches.
"He's someone we think can help the development of 'Zacky' who is already one of the best ruckmen in the comp when he's up and going.
"Ben Kelly stepped up and did a good job in the ruck this year but we probably had to play him out of position a bit."
The 196-centimetre A'vard is originally from Jerilderie and grew up with Tiger players Lachie Taylor-Nugent and Chris Lockhart.
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"That was another drawcard for him to play," Daly said.
"Living here in Wodonga he will be able to play his best footy as he won't have to worry about travelling back to Barooga."
A'vard joins Albury with an impressive CV.
He won the Murray league's O'Dwyer medal by 12 votes in 2018 and was a key member of Shepparton Swans' premiership in the Goulburn Valley league in 2014.
The powerfully-built A'vard was a dominant force for the Murray Bushrangers as a youngster.
Albury is confident of keeping its losses to a minimum with premiership star Dean Polo the only confirmed departure from the sportsground due to retirement.
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