Ben McPherson on his move to Barnawartha

The 21-year-old had played at Wodonga since his Auskick days and hasn't ruled out a future return to the Bulldogs but can't wait to get stuck into the Tallangatta league under news Tigers coach Kade Butters.

"A couple of my mates were thinking about leaving with me, they played juniors at Barny and that made the option available," McPherson explained.

"Once I'd spoken to them and a couple of other clubs, they seemed like a really good cultured club.

"The whole point of going out there was to start enjoying my footy again and playing with your mates is a big part of that.

"Most of them were pretty keen to go to Barny so I was keen to jump on board as well.

"From what I've seen so far, the buzz is pretty good and they seem like a really good family club.

"They're always competitive and should have a good crack this year."

McPherson admitted it was a big call to leave Wodonga after so many years.

"It wasn't an easy decision," he said.

"I've been at the club my whole life but it was time for a bit of a change.

"I'm definitely not closing the door on going back ever but at this point, it was the right thing to do.

"I even considered having a year off but I thought if I go out and play for Barny with a few mates and have a bit of fun, it might bring that spark back.

"I'll have a crack at every contest, I'll always have my head over the ball and give 100 percent on the field."

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Butters is looking forward to working with McPherson in season 2022.

"Ben's a very talented young kid and I think he's going to bring a lot of depth, especially with the experience we've got at the club with blokes like Cam McNeill," Butters said.

"It's going to give him a little bit more experience and a chance to learn more about his football through what Cam knows.

"He runs pretty straight lines, he's got some great skills and the reports I've had from a lot of people say he's a very talented young footballer and we've done well to get him."

The Tigers, who announced Tom Anson as their assistant coach this week, have also signed Tom Baker and twins Tom and Ben Gardner.

Alongside McNeill, they've also re-signed Matt Dalbosco, Brad Dalbosco, Josh Star, Brodie Scammell, Josh Scammell, Tom Hoffert, Mitch Exton, Connor Wiffen, Jarrod Woodall, Ben Kunkle, Jackson Spiers and Adam Elias.

"It's quite exciting," Butters said. "To be at this stage at the start of November, having picked up some good signings and good young talent, it's very pleasing."

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