Wangaratta has reacted swiftly to the departure of premiership forward Josh Porter by signing Liam McVeigh.
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McVeigh was a team-mate of Jackson Clarke's at West Preston Lakeside who the Magpies also signed earlier this month.
The 23-year-old arrives at Norm Minns Oval as a dual premiership player at West Preston Lakeside.
He also had a stint for North Melbourne in the VFL in 2019 and is an under-25 AFL Victorian Metropolitan representative.
Rookie coach Ben Reid said the 192cm McVeigh was a versatile tall that could fill a number of roles.
"Liam arrives from West Preston Lakeside and has also played VFL," Reid said.
"He is good mates with 'Jacko' (Clarke) and played alongside him in a couple of flags.
"Liam will play predominantly in attack and also has the ability to pinch-hit in the midfield if required.
"He is 192cm and 95kg so he is a good size.
"After losing Josh (Porter) recently, I can see Liam slotting into that role and we will be able to keep a similar structure in attack to this year."
With the two key signings of McVeigh and Clarke and minimal departures the Pies look well equipped to once again progress deep in September.
The league powerhouse has played in the last three deciders for one flag in 2017.
Reid said he was more than satisfied with how the list is shaping for another premiership assault next year.
"At this stage I would think we are unlikely to add any more recruits," he said.
"After keeping departures to a minimum we felt like we didn't need to add to our list too much.
"Jacko was our main recruiting target and is a former junior who is returning to the club.
"He mentioned that Liam was also keen to switch clubs and we are rapt to get him on board and he has got a hard edge in how he attacks the footy.
"Liam also boasts a good set of dukes and is a strong contested mark."
ALSO IN SPORT
Both McVeigh and Clarke will initially travel from Melbourne to play
Clarke is keen to relocate to Wangaratta in the near future.
The Magpies will commence pre-season training on November 9.
There was also speculation that Reid's younger brother Sam could also play at Norm Minns Oval next season.
However, the premiership Swan is set to be offered a one year contract with Sydney with the details yet to be finalised.
"I was rapt when Sam told me that he has been offered a new contract and hopefully he can have a big year."
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