Jindera Bulldogs premiership chances have taken a huge boost when star recruit Joel Mackie finally gained a clearance from his former club North Albury.
Mackie, who starred for North Albury last year and played a huge role in the club playing off in the O and Murray grand final against Wangaratta, has been playing in Adelaide before coming home last month.
After signing with SANFL club Woodville- West Torrens and playing a handful of games this year, he decided to return home to North Albury and play one match before another change of heart.
He played in North Albury’s win over Wangaratta Rovers on May 17 before indicating he would like to finish the year at his former junior club Jindera.
North Albury after refusing initially to clear him due to contractual details completed a turn around by clearing him to Jindera after “negotiations” between both parties/clubs last Friday.
The clearance freed Mackie up to play in the Hume league team that finished third in the NSW- ACT Country Championships in Wagga last weekend.
The 21 year old star on baller, who represented the Ovens and Murray last year, will make his debut this Saturday when the Bulldogs play at home to Coleambally.
Several clubs suffered injury setbacks last weekend in Wagga with Osborne star ruckman Hayden Gleeson injuring his hamstring, while Culcairn pair Matt Klemke and Clint Brown also face fitness tests.
Holbrook utility Ben McLellan injured an ankle and joins a long list of injuries at Holbrook. Courageous captain Tim Nichols is out for the season following a serious spleen injury last round at Rand.
RW Tigers also suffered a terrible blow in the same match with towering forward Dean Matthews suffering a nasty facial injury following a head clash with a teammate.