New Hoppers coach Tim Kennedy is thrilled to keep hold of Spencer and plans to build his team around the 2019 Barton medalist.

The 200cm ruckman spends a lot of time on the road as part of his job in the agriculture industry and the pros of stepping up a level simply wouldn't have out-weighed the cons.

"There's been a few phone calls," he revealed.

"I just don't know if I'd be able to commit the sort of hours they'd require to play O and M.

"I'd love to give it a go but I'm too busy as it is.

"I've got pretty big work commitments. I've got my own business so training's sometimes not feasible but the club are quite flexible with me and all my mates play there now.

"I appreciate playing for one club as long as you can. I'm not a big fan of moving clubs. You build relationships within that club, so it's nice to support them."

Kennedy, having succeeded Tyson Smith as coach, believes Spencer's signing will send a message to others.

"He's key to our set-up," Kennedy said.

"To have someone like him, who moves so well, uses the ball so well and who's so agile, you can build a side around him. I'm very excited to get him locked down.

"He's an O and M standard ruckman, I'm sure of it. That's why I targeted him pretty heavily from the end of the season.

"I knew other clubs were circling and they have been the last two or three years.

"It creates a bit of momentum and a buzz for our upcoming season. It's been really difficult not having a finish to our season, trying to keep people connected and engaged and wanting to come back but I think this signing, for our players, supporters and sponsors, is pretty big.

"I hope it helps with our retention, which I'm quietly confident is going to be very good."

Tallangatta finished fifth in the TDFL, winning seven games and losing four.

"As a team, we were a bit inconsistent," Spencer said.

"We probably didn't reach our potential but when finals come, you never know who's going to show up.

ALSO IN SPORT

"I started the season a bit slow. I didn't get to do a lot of pre-season because of work commitments so it took three or four weeks to get going.

"But in the back half of the season, I was a bit happier with my form.

"I'm pretty excited for Tim. I think he'll do really well.

"He's pretty tough so I think he'll get the most out of a lot of players."

"We're talking to a few." Kennedy added.

"We've targeted a few people we think will bolster our group and we're looking for a little bit of leg speed, which is something we probably lacked last year."

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