Albury's batch of young guns have pointed to "unfinished business" as the reason to stay in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League for 2022.
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In a massive boost to the club's hopes of snaring a record 23rd premiership, the 'fab five' - Fletcher Carroll, Ben Kelly, Riley Bice and siblings Jacob and Lucas Conlan - have derailed plans to play in South Australia.
The Tigers were unbeaten after 13 rounds when COVID forced the season to be cancelled.
In fact, the club's three grades were undefeated.
"It's great for the club, they're obviously good players, but moreso good people to have around the club," co-coach Luke Daly offered.
"I think it's a common theme across all our players, coaches, volunteers, everyone, there's unfinished business and I guess there would be for a lot of clubs.
I think it's a common theme across all our players, coaches ... there's unfinished business.
- Luke Daly
"Obviously getting nearly a season complete, hopefully next year we're not going to be in the same situation."
With more than 80 per cent of Australia's eligible population fully vaccinated, there's a general belief next year will return to a more 'normal' life, although given the events of the past 20 months, there's no way any sporting club should become complacent.
The O and M will round out the most incredible year of its 128-year history on Friday night when the Morris Medal will be held, with midfielder Carroll one of the fancies.
But he's already planning for next year.
"100 per cent there's unfinished business, we had obviously been going pretty well and then for it to finish like that and to hear most of the list is staying around as well, I'm definitely keen to go again," he suggested after previous state league stints at Williamstown and Coburg.
"I just felt like if I'd gone over to Adelaide without having that real crack at a flag, it didn't seem right and most of us are in that boat."
ALSO IN SPORT:
Veteran utility Dean Polo is the only confirmed departure of the regular senior players, although emerging stars Cameron McLeod and Charlie Byrne are considering playing in Melbourne.
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