Central Murray: Balranald signs forward Adam Flagg on eve of season

Balranald missed finals on percentage in the Central Murray league last year and could be flag contenders in 2023. See its latest signing.

Balranald’s anticipated charge up the Central Murray ladder this season has gained further momentum with the late signing of Lavington premiership forward Adam Flagg.

Reigning Jack Betts Medal winner Jydon Neagle heads into his second season as coach of Balranald with a far superior squad than he had last year when the club narrowly missed finals.

The Neagle brothers, from left, Matthew, Jaxon and Jydon, will play together at Balranald this year. Picture: Dean Martin

He had already recruited brothers Matthew and Jaxon, and Ethan Grant from SANFL club Central Districts before landing Flagg in the lead-up to Balranald’s first game against Tyntynder on Saturday.

“It’s hard to say how we’ll go,” Neagle said.

“If we can keep our best side on the park with no injuries we could go all right.

“Just a bit of depth might be our struggle this year.

“But our best can definitely match it with Kerang and Woorinen for sure.”

Flagg, a former GWS Academy player, spent almost a decade at Lavington with the high point being the club’s demolition of Wangaratta in the 2019 Ovens and Murray grand final.

He played for Northern Jets in the Farrer league last year.

Jydon Neagle, right compete with Adelaide’s Bryce Gibbs in the SANFL in 2019.

Jydon Neagle also played at Central District in 2019 before returning to Wodonga Raiders, where he is a triple club best and fairest winner.

He joined Balranald last year as coach, following in the footsteps of his late father, Merv, who also coached the club.

Merv, who was killed in a truck crash 11 years ago, aged 54, coached Balranald to the 2006 flag.

Woorinen beat Cohuna in a Good Friday clash by 45 points with Cohuna suffering a big loss this season with Tom Toma joining Bendigo league club Golden Square.