Leeton-Whitton recruit Sam Darley set for a minimum of four games at the Crows
Leeton-Whitton's marquee signing, Sam Darley, is locked in for the Crows' round one clash against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.
The Crows drew plenty of attention when they announced the signing of Darley in November, only for the former AFL player to then confirm his commitment to home club North Hobart.
Darley explained he would play a number of games at Leeton-Whitton when his Tasmanian State League draw allowed, with the Crows now confident he will feature in a minimum of four games early in the year.
The former Greater Western Sydney (GWS) and Western Bulldogs footballer is locked in for the round one clash against MCUE at Mangoplah Sportsground.
He will then feature in three more games before the June 30 clearance deadline.
Leeton-Whitton coach Daniel Muir is happy with the arrangement.
"It's a start," Muir said.
"He'll play round one, then miss a couple of weeks and then we get him for three or four in a row."
Sam Darley
Darley will be one of the most accomplished players to feature in the Riverina League in the past couple of decades.
Not only did he play 20 AFL games, he also was captain of Richmond's VFL team that made it through to the grand final in 2017.
He has also coached Geelong Football League club North Shore.
Muir believes he will use Darley in the midfield.
"I think he'll play on-ball, but it depends on the stage of the game and our list," he said.
"We won't be world beaters but we'll be competitive.
"He might go forward and turn a game on its head if we've got control or behind the ball and try and set us up if we haven't."
The Crows have endured a quiet off-season without much traffic in or out of the club. The other gain has been the return of Nathan Lanham, who played a handful of games last year while home from university.
Daniel Muir in action for the Crows during the 2018 season.
Muir, who missed all of last season after dislocating his shoulder in the opening round, is tracking well but is no certainty to line up against MCUE on April 18.
"I haven't done any competitive stuff as of yet," he said.
"I've been training and am starting to get some running in. I've dropped a few kilos, which is good.
Muir said the Crows are still in talks with a number of potential recruits and hope to add to their list before round one.
They have locked in trial games against The Rock-Yerong Creek at Leeton Showground on March 14, then will take on Barellan at Barellan on April 4.
"I'll be touch and go for round one. I'm probably a no but we'll wait and see."
Meantime, Wagga Tigers have welcomed across Harry Radley from Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
The Demons also won't have Matt Klemke, who is seeking a clearance to join his older brother Ben at AFL Sydney club Inner West Magpies.
Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's Daniel Foley also has a clearance in to join Canberra Demons.
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