WARRNAMBOOL has pulled off a major recruiting coup less than a week after suffering Hampden league grand final heartbreak at the hands of Koroit.
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Former Adelaide rookie Tim McIntyre will make Reid Oval his football home in 2015, giving the Blues an extra weapon in an already talent-laden midfield.
McIntyre, 25, played with SANFL club Central Districts in 2014 and spent the four seasons prior with rival Sturt.
He was a rookie with Adelaide in 2012-13, kicking two goals in his sole appearance, a 58-point win against Port Adelaide in Showdown XXXIII.
His football resume also includes representing the SANFL in its state-versus-state clash against the VFL in Melbourne in May.
McIntyre said his partner Jane Clissold grew up in the Warrnambool district and was keen to return, prompting his decision to move clubs.
The builder had been in contact with Blues coach Scott Carter during the season. The link stems from Clissold attending school with key forward Travis Graham.
“My partner is from down Warrnambool area,” McIntyre said. “I’ve achieved most things I wanted to over here in South Australia.
“I’ve played SANFL for six years, got onto an AFL list for two years.
“It’s the next phase of my life. I’m looking forward to a bit of a change in lifestyle.
“I’m doing a fair bit of driving with work and training. It’s a big commitment (to play SANFL).”
McIntyre, who grew up playing with Corowa-Rutherglen, was at Reid Oval last weekend as Koroit got the better of Warrnambool in the grand final.
He said he was impressed with the standard of football, despite the Hampden league being a few steps down from SANFL. “There’s always good footballers running around in those country leagues. The standard was at a good level, being the two best sides in the comp,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting down next year and being a part of the club and the culture.”
The Blues revealed they had signed McIntyre at their presentation dinner last night. They also announced Carter had signed a new one-year contract.
The deal extends his coaching tenure into a fifth season, with his record standing at two premierships from four grand finals.
Carter, 43, said he was rapt to welcome McIntyre to Reid Oval.
“We’ve been in contact with him for just on 12 months. We went over and watched him play and he’s a super impressive player,” he said.
“He’s a midfielder who is a really hard runner, good ball winner and also very dangerous resting forward.”
Carter said he committed to a fifth season at the helm because he was “still enjoying the role very much”. “I was keen to have another 12 months in the job. It’s a one-year contract, like it’s been every year,” he said.
“I’m really grateful for the confidence and the faith and loyalty the club has shown me.”
Carter said key tall Peter Corredig, who has shifted to Melbourne for work, was the only confirmed departure so far.
He is hopeful the Blues can retain his right-hand men: non-playing assistant coach Simon Perry and selector Mark Inia.