Benalla Star signs with Tigers!

Jacka Joins Tigers

The Tigers have released there latest signing for the 2013 season with Alistair Jacka joining the club from the Bendigo Saints of the Goulburn Valley Football League (GVFL) in Victoria.

Jacka joins the Club with a strong pedigree – his uncle being Peter Williamson – a former player of the Melbourne Demons who also Captain Coached the Tigers Club in 1982 and 1983.

Coach Kade Klemke was delighted when advised of his signing prior to Christmas and expects the youngster to be an adequate replacement for Daniel Campbell who posted 5 goals in the Tigers historic NEAFL Eastern Conference Premiership.

Campbell has joined Shepparton United of the GVFL for season 2013.

“There is no doubt we will miss “Piggy” both on and off the field but Alistair comes to the club as a 22 year old goal kicking forward who has also played representative football with the GVFL” said Klemke.

The Clubs long term vision is for a replacement for Kav (James Kavanagh) in the full forward role and Jacka could be just the player to fill that void when and if Kavanagh retires in coming years. He topped the Bendigo Saints goal kicking list in 2012 and was also selected in the GVFL Team of the Year.

Jacka is not expected to join the Tigers until mid February .

He joins a strong existing player list with a number of potential new NEAFL players joining the Club for 2013 including David Smith, James McCabe and Matthew Fernie (from Tuggeranong), former Weston Creek player Marcus Broers, Jack O’Halloran from Marist, Jaegan McNeill (ADFA) and Joshua Simms from the WAAFL. The Club has an excellent batch of youngsters graduating from the Under 18 Grade Rising Stars team that will push for senior grade selection.

In addition there is a number of players returning who have been absent from the list in recent years.

The Tigers commence preseason training on Thursday 17 January under the fitness guidance of Robbie Thompson from the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin at the end of Anzac Parade and there after each Monday, Tuesday (NOT Wednesday as previously advised) and Thursday at Dairy Farmers Park from 6.00pm.

All Players are reminded to keep the 17 / 18 February clear for the Pre Season Camp. Further details will be provided at a later date.