Star midfielder Khyle Goodman has signed up for a second season at Tallangatta.
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The former Wodonga player was hindered by a knee injury this season but still managed to play eight games in the Tallangatta league.
Hoppers coach Tim Kennedy is delighted Goodman has followed ruckman Scott Spencer in re-committing for 2022.
"Khyle's a class above, the way he uses the ball, his decision-making and the way he prepares," Kennedy said.
"He's a really fit individual so if he gets a good run at it, he's going to be a really strong player this year.
"He's been unlucky, since I've known him, with injuries, going back to his days at Wodonga so hopefully he gets a clean run at it."
Goodman feared he'd be out for three months after tearing his MCL against Rutherglen in round five but managed to get back playing within seven weeks.
"He recovered quite quickly," Kennedy said.
"At first we thought it was an ACL but to his credit, his rehab went well and he got good news from the scan and got back quicker than we expected.
"But he didn't get his chance at the finals so that must have been frustrating when he'd put so much time into the rehab.
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"He can be massively influential for us. He's a beautiful user of the ball and we can play him on every line.
"We'll probably look to play him in the midfield but also across half-back and he can go forward as well.
"He's really versatile and when you've got someone who's a good decision-maker and such a good kick, it can be really damaging.
"He only needs to get 15 or 20 touches and he can be the best on ground with the way he uses the ball."
Goodman had other options but was quick to put pen to paper.
"I had some unfinished business out at Tallangatta and I've loved my time there so I had no real desire to go anywhere else," he said.
"This year didn't go to plan, getting injured early and fighting the whole way back.
"To finish with no result left a bitter taste but I'm pretty excited for what's to come.
"No-one's departed so I'm keen to see what season 2022 has in store."
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