WALPEUP Underbool has pulled off the recruiting coup of the season with the anticipated arrival of former Richmond midfielder Shane Tuck this Saturday.
Tuck, who played 173 games for the Tigers from 2004-13 is renowned for his ball winning ability and toughness, and is expected to debut for the Roos against Ouyen United at Blackburn Park this weekend.
Tuck has recently played with West Adelaide, and is currently plying his trade for the Goodwood Saints, who sit on top of the ladder and are defending premiers in the South Australian Amateur Football League.
Walpeup Underbool president Jamie Latta said the club was anxiously awaiting Tuck’s arrival.
“He knows a lot about our club and our situation here but is keen to play with mates Shane Birss, Ben Fisher, Luke Nathan and Brad Dabrowski,” Latta said.
Although the Roos have several high quality players who would walk into any side in Sunraysia or Central Murray, they have been crippled this season by injury and unavailability to key personnel and are still winless.
Through Tuck’s presence, Latta hopes that player and club enthusiasm will be bolstered, but emphasises that despite the on-field rivalry between both clubs the Ouyen game hasn’t been one the Roos have targeted for Tuck’s arrival.
“This was the first game available that suited us and Shane. The fact that it’s against Ouyen is purely coincidental,” Latta said.
“We see the game as one to be built up as a showcase event that will be of great benefit to both clubs.”
For more on this story see Wednesday’s edition of The Guardian (June 24, 2015).
