Verbruggen's Royal return
Royals' premiership hopes have been boosted by the timely homecoming of Sean Plaisted medallist Glynn Verbruggen for the remainder of the season, with the key forward also likely to be a blessing in disguise for Great Southern Football League senior coach James McRae.
Verbruggen is expected to be rushed into the GSFL's squad for the annual Landmark Country Championships with spearhead Daniel Parker, who injured a foot in North Albany's come-from-behind win over Railways last Sunday, in doubt.
Parker could miss up to four weeks with a cracked metatarsal bone in his foot, which is more than likely to rule him out of the championships, which start on July 9.
The squad is already without key forward Zak Hortin, who is on holidays, limiting the GSFL's key forward options.
Verbruggen, who played alongside McRae at the Lions in 2008, was the league's leading goal kicker that season, with 55 goals as a 20-year-old.
He has since coached Northampton in the Great Northern Football League in 2013 and 2014 and booted 19 goals in six games this season.
While McRae was delighted to have Verbruggen return to his club Royals, he said the 27-year-old's experience playing for the GNFL in division 1 in previous seasons would be crucial to the GSFL squad being assembled for the championships.
"We want to pick our best side and a side we think that can win country week," McRae said.
"(Picking) a guy who has played A-grade country week over the last few years and who is 27 is probably a benefit to our team, so that's where it's at.
"We have someone who can play full-forward or centre half-forward - he's a natural forward, which is what we need."
Verbruggen's return has been prompted by work commitments and a desire to be closer to family.
McRae said he would be cleared before the June 30 cut-off date.
"It's a player we have probably lacked all year, a key forward," he said.
"He is coming back so we are very excited about it.
"He's been away from the club for five to six years, he's coached his own team and has been in very good form in the GNFL.
"(He's) certainly a better player now, he's a lot fitter."
Royals take on Mt Barker at Centennial Oval on Sunday in a must-win clash for the Bulls' finals aspirations.
