Former VFL swingman Paul Dirago commits to Northcote Park for 2017
FORMER Northern Blues swingman Paul Dirago will return to Northcote Park this year.
The versatile tall, who stands at 191cm, was aligned with the Cougars throughout his VFL career.
Dirago coached Hampden League club Terang Mortlake to a ninth-placed finish last season.
A former Northern Knight, Dirago graduated to the VFL ranks in 2011 when he featured in two senior and 14 reserves matches for the Blues.
He played 18 VFL matches throughout his career at Preston City Oval, which also included 52 Development League matches.
During that period, Dirago represented Northcote Park on 10 occasions — most recently in Round 14, 2015 against North Heidelberg.
“He could even play ruck at a pinch,” Cougars general manager Dennis McNiece said.
“That’s the good thing about him, he’s flexible and he can plug a hole at both ends.
“Down our spine, we have probably been a bit light on.
“It adds a bit of flexibility with him and (Doug) Morris coming in.”
Dirago and Cougars premiership player Morris headline the club’s recruits for 2017.
Morris, a star on-baller, is back at Bill Lawry Oval after one-season stints at Lower Plenty and Victorian Amateur Football Association club Old Trinity.
Northcote Park has lost Mannon Johnston (Morwell), Aaron Di Matteo (Essendon Doutta Stars), Ashley Di Ciero (Gormandale) and Lachlan Thorp (Moama).
McNiece said signs had been positive throughout the opening months of pre-season as the club looks to tweak its game plan under new coach Matt McLennan.
McLennan has succeeded Harmit Singh in the Cougars’ hot seat following the former playing coach’s move to Eastern Football League outfit Vermont.
Northcote Park opens its 2017 campaign under lights against West Preston-Lakeside on Friday, April 7 — just 73 days away.