Beechworth's hopes of climbing the ladder have been boosted with five signings headlined by the arrival of Brent Ryan.
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The Bushrangers have also welcomed back Dayne Carey and Ryan Mee from Cudgewa and Jake Biddulph from Geelong.
Edward Cartledge has also committed after a stint with Wangaratta reserves.
Beechworth co-coach Brayden Carey said the signings would add some much needed depth after the Bushrangers narrowly missed the wooden spoon with a 1-10 record.
"Getting Brent on board is a huge coup and he should prove to be a massive signing for us," Carey said.
"He is fairly versatile and can play key position at either end of the ground.
"Brent is very professional in his approach to football and will be great for the club both on and off the field.
"He is my brother-in-law and luckily I convinced him to sign with us."
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Ryan, 29, has predominantly played suburban football in Melbourne including a flag with Greensborough.
More recently he has had stints at Panton Hill in the Northern Football Netball league and Seymour in the Goulburn Valley league.
Ryan won a flag at Panton Hill and spent time playing on Kyabram ace Kayne Pettifer while at Seymour.
"Brent's played at a higher standard and some big names," Carey said.
"Dayne and Ryan have followed me back from Cudgewa.
"While Jake and Eddie will add further depth.
"It's no secret that the club has lacked depth recently which gets exposed when injuries hit."
The Bushrangers have failed to make finals since winning their most recent flag in 2010.
However, they have emerged as the early pacesetters in the off-season recruiting stakes after signing co-coaches Tom Cartledge alongside Carey.
Carey said the club would aim to lure former juniors back to the fold.
"Getting five signings early is a positive start," he said.
"They are local kids that are at Myrtleford and Wangaratta Rovers that we are aiming to get back on board.
"A few other locals who are playing in the bush leagues that are also on the radar."
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