Thomson coach Paul Lynch is rubbing his hands together at the flexibility the return of Andrew Jarvis will provide the reigning GDFNL premier.
After taking a year off due to work and family commitments, the 2023 GDFNL Team of the Year ruck has committed to the Tigers for next season.
“He mentioned to me late in the (2024) season that he was going to come back,” Lynch said.
“I think work is a little bit more organised for him, and his kids are a little bit older, so he’s keen to have another go at it.
“I don’t think he wanted to step away from footy, but life got a little bit too hectic for him, and he had to take a bit of a break.”
In the absence of Jarvis, Jordy Camm shouldered much of the ruck load with assistance from dynamic forward Darcy Troop.
“I think Jordy’s one of the better centre half-forwards going around in GDFL footy; he was a real handful the year before when he played there,” Lynch said.
“So, we’ll probably push Jordy back to centre half-forward, but we’ve still got that option of using Jordy in the ruck as well because he does that role well, too.”
Thomson will also welcome back 2018 premiership player Paul Davis from a two-year stint with the Mallee Eagles in the Central Murray League.
Despite being well into the twilight of his career, Lynch – who first coached Davis at Portarlington in 2005 – believes the veteran’s experience will be invaluable for the Tigers.
“Paul said he would finish his career at Thomson, and his presence will be good for our younger players,” Lynch said.
Thomson unveiled former Bannockburn, Grovedale and Bell Park player Patty Knott as a recruit earlier this week.
However, Lynch has confirmed previous reports by K rock Football that Logan Mitchell will be joining star Winchelsea forward Jordan Gould as southeast South Australian club Tantanoola.
“We knew that mid-year that he and Gould – they live together – were going to head over together and have a bit of a seachange,” Lynch said.
“It’s Gould’s hometown, and he’s got a (work) placement over there for ten weeks, I think Logan said.
“Logan’s always welcome back at Thomson.”
Lynch is also preparing to lose talented midfielder Charley Donohue.
The former St Joseph’s junior is considering playing at a higher level or joining Warrnambool and District club Nirranda, where former 2018 Thomson premiership co-coach Reece Holwell has recently been appointed.
“Charley’s looking around at maybe trying better footy – I’m not 100 per cent sure,” Lynch said.
“But, he’s got a couple of mates in Warrnambool that he’ll maybe look to go and play with as well.
“He hasn’t signed anywhere yet, but he’s definitely looking at having a crack at a higher level, which I think he probably should.
“He’s at that age now, and his footy’s probably nearly good enough.
“If a club came knocking on his door, I think he’d jump at the chance.”
Veteran forward Dan Freeman will co-coach the reserves with Paul Kinniburgh and likely play most of his footy at 12 o’clock.
“He wants to settle back and help the kids out, which he’ll be really good for,” Lynch said.
“If we had a stack of injuries, I still think he’s there for “break in case of emergency” if needed.
“He still loves the game and being around the club but wants to get into that coaching side.
“I think he’ll be really good because the kids like him, and he’s got a lot to offer.”
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