By Beth Newman
NT Thunder premiership ruckman, Kenrick Tyrrell, has signed with the Western Magpies.
With the departure of leading goal kicker Anthony Corrie and a slew of experienced campaigners at the end of last season, Tyrrell’s recruitment is timely for the Magpies’ developing list.
Tyrrell played 45 games for SANFL side, Norwood, before joining the Thunder in 2010 and becoming a key part of their 2011 premiership side.
While Tyrrell will not be available until the latter half of the year, Magpies coach, Glenn Humphrey said he was excited to have the big man on board at all.
“It’s great for our younger players to see how he goes about it and how he prepares,” he said.
After an injury-marred 2012, Tyrrell retired from NEAFL football prior to the 2013 season, but returned to play six games for the Thunder last season.
Contemplating his options this season, Tyrrell was in the sights of numerous clubs, but Humphrey, who previously coached Tyrrell at the Thunder and is currently the ruckman’s housemate, always looked the prime candidate.
“It was just a matter of him deciding which level of football he wanted to play,” Humphrey said.
Humphrey said the club would harness his experience on and off the field, when he returns from overseas, to mentor its young midfielders.
“Knowing he has had extensive experience for the NT Thunder, that will be invaluable for us,” he said.
Tyrrell is likely to fill a forward role when he returns to the Magpies, rather than playing in the ruck, Humphrey said.
“He’ll give us a massive target in the forward line,” he said.
“The opposition’s best back man will have to be going to him.
The Magpies have also welcomed 2013 NEAFL Northern Reserves best and fairest winner, Callum Carseldine, to their line-up.
Recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, Humphrey expects the young midfielder to be right for Round 1 on April 5.
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