Jindera sign Jack Avage, Ben Collins and Will Strauss

The resurgent Bulldogs have signed Albury fringe player Jack Avage alongside former junior Ben Collins and Will Strauss.

They join Albury duo Alex Rowe and Lachie Dight alongside experienced pair Kris Holman and Josh Lloyd at the kennel who all signed last month.

Bulldog coach Andrew Wilson said it had been a productive off-season and expected Avage to be a handy addition after playing two senior matches for Albury this year.

"We are excited to get Jack on board and feel he will prove to be a good player in the Hume league," Wilson said.

"He will add a bit more depth to our midfield rotations.

"Young Ben Collins is coming off an injury-riddled season with North Albury but played two senior matches in 2019.

"Will Strauss is also from North Albury and played four senior matches this year as well as playing reserves.

"His partner plays netball at Jindera so there is a bit of a connection there already."

The Bulldogs have more than half-a-dozen former Albury players at the club.

Ryan Speed, Sam Crawshaw, Daniel Middleton, Avage, Rowe and Dight were all former team-mates at the sportsground.

Ben Dower played in a senior flag with the Tigers in 2016.

"Ryan, Sam and Dan have been at the club for a while now and having that connection with the other Albury boys certainly helped signing them," Wilson said.

"We have been trying to sign them for a couple of seasons now and have been buying time but the stars have aligned now."

ALSO IN SPORT

In a further positive the Bulldogs' thirds were undefeated this season with 10 top age players.

Wilson said most of the young pups would remain at the kennel next season and would be given senior opportunities.

"Eight of the 10 kids who were top age players have re-signed which is a huge result for the club," he said.

"You can't have too much depth and it just reinforces that players want to stay involved at the club and be part of the rebuild and hopefully future success.

"George Flanagan played seniors this year, Brodie Porter, Kai Wilson and Harry Prescott are still raw but I expect will be given senior opportunities next year."

After the COVID lay-off, Jindera were the worst hit by injury at the start of this season.

The Bulldogs started the season 1-7 before showing a glimpse of their true potential and finishing eighth with a 6-10 record.

Wilson said finals was firmly on the radar next year.

"I think we have a list more than capable of playing finals," he said.

"We just need to get everyone fit and firing and keep improving."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: