SPRINGBANK has scored one of the recruiting coups of the season with the signing of star forward Paul McMahon.
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The North Ballarat Roosters dual premiership player has officially joined the Central Highlands Football League club, where he will form an integral part of its campaign in 2013.
McMahon arrives at the Tigers from the Roosters, where he played last year and in two of their three-straight VFL flags in 2008 and 2009.
The 27-year-old is originally from Lake Wendouree, which he led to its first BFL flag in 2010. That season was a memorable one for McMahon, who booted eight goals in the grand final and also claimed the league’s best and fairest award, the Henderson Medal.
McMahon said time restraints were the biggest motivator in his decision to leave the Roosters and return to country football.
“I just couldn’t commit to VFL football any more. (Springbank coach) Sam Giblett gave me a call and I’m here now,” McMahon said.
“I’ve never played out there before and it will be a new set-up for me, coming from the VFL, but hopefully I can slot in and play a role.”
McMahon said it was an exciting chapter in his football career
“Obviously the oval is the first thing that will suit me. My motor is probably the best part of my game so to see a big ground is a big plus for me,” he said.
“I think the league is improving each year (with) the amount of quality players that are going out there
“I’m hoping it is going to be good footy and that’s what I’m expecting it to be.”
McMahon’s signing is a massive boost to the Tigers, who last year broke through for their first finals campaign in a decade.
His arrival will bolster a forward line already home to goalkickers Tom Eltringham and Ryan Knowles.
Not surprisingly, Giblett believes the Tigers’ strength will be in attack.
“The reason we tried to get the services of Paul was because of his age, he’s achieved a lot in footy, he has ticked a lot of boxes, and I think after all of that commitment and time that he has put in to the higher level, we probably offer that flexibility of focusing on the enjoyment of footy,” he said.
Giblett said the playing group was shooting high in 2013.
“The group has already spoken about an aim of top four and making an impact, come close to the end of the year,” he said.
“What Paul can offer in terms of the leadership and professionalism from what he’s done is only going to benefit the young blokes.”
McMahon’s signing follows hot on the heels of G.J. Gardner Homes becoming the club’s new naming rights sponsor.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au