BRAD Boots will return to the Leeton-Whitton fold next season.
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Boots has signed with the Crows after spending last season playing with the Lavington Panthers.
His return will be a boost for the club as they look to have an even spread of youth and experience.
Boots played all of his junior football career and has played more than 150 games for the club.
As well as Boots signing off for next year’s season with the Crows, the club has also secured the signatures of Canberra trio Toby Conroy, Neil Irwin and Michael Wescombe.
On top of that, football operations manager David Meline said another recruit from Tasmania would be on his way to Leeton.
“Matthew Rainbird, who’s coming from Glenorchy down in Tassie has also signed on with us,” Meline said.
“He’s a very handy midfielder and we’re looking forward to having him play here.”
Rainbird joins Leeton-Whitton along with new assistant coach Daniel Muir, who also hails from Glenorchy.
The pair both won a premiership with the club this season.
The club announced Muir’s recruitment last month.
Leeton-Whitton will lose Mitch Hardie next season to the NEAFL competition.
Meline said the re-signings of the Canberra group, together with Boots and Rainbird should mean there is plenty of depth in the first grade team.
“We’re really trying to build on what we achieved this season and do even better next year,” he said.
“Having Brad back is great news.
“He’s a good leader on the field and off the field.
“We’re glad to have him back.
“I know he was getting chased by a few Wagga clubs.”
Leeton-Whitton has already started its pre-season training program, but will break over Christmas.
“It’s going really well,” Meline said.
“They are getting some good numbers there a couple of times of week, which we’re happy with. I’m sure that will continue when they start up again after Christmas.”
He’s a very handy midfielder and we’re looking forward to having him play here.
- Crows football operations manager David Meline