AFL Outer East: Upwey Tecoma signs star Norwood defender Stuart Hill
Upwey Tecoma is setting itself for an improved showing in Premier Division with two new signings boosting the club’s depth ahead of the pre-season.
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As the dust settles on Vermont’s EFL premiership win, Eagles star Adam Parker has taken up his position as Upwey Tecoma’s new coach with relish, the Tigers announcing two big signings ahead of the AFL Outer East pre-season.
Star Norwood defender Stuart Hill is on his way to Chosen Ave as Parker’s playing assistant coach while East Ringwood tall timber Jarryd Ambrose will give the Tigers a few extra inches around the ground.
“He’s jumped on board,” Parker said of Hill’s signing. “He’s a quality leader, a great player and a great bloke as well. We’ve met a few times and we’ve already started planning a few things.
“We've played against each other for a long time and played together in a few rep teams.
“He was looking to take his interest in coaching to the next level as well.”
In a stellar career, Hill stamped himself as one of the best backmen in the EFL.
As well as helping the Norsemen to their breakthrough flag win in 2014, Hill has been a Norwood team of the decade member, a club best and fairest, captain of the EFL interleague side and a frequent EFL team of the year selection.
Ambrose, a recent convert to footy after coming from a basketball background, has taken to the Sherrin quickly and will be a handy tall in defence as well as a useful option up forward or in attack.
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While full pre-season activity is still a couple of months away, Parker said preparation was underway with the club engaging a strength and conditioning coach with extensive rehab experience.
“He’s given programs out which will help players not only to train but how to train (properly),” Parker said. “Get people as fit as possible with regard to minimising injuries.
“It’s about keeping the best 22 on the park.”
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