By Tara Murray
South Morang’s move into the Northern Football League division 1 competition has received a boost with former Richmond player Noah Cumberland signing with the club.
The Lions announced on Monday night that it had secured the services of Cumberland, who was hotly chased by a number of clubs.
Cumberland, who played 25 AFL games, was set to play in his home state of Queensland this year before deciding to stay in Victoria.
South Morang coach Gary Hall said it was massive for the club to get him on board.
“It’s pretty exciting for the club,” he said. “I’ve met Noah a few times before.
“We got talking and he lives not too far from the ground and work is close. His partner Nat knows a few people.
“It’s good for the club.”
Hall said Cumberland still had his best football ahead of him and at 23 fitted the right age bracket of the group.
Cumberland kicked 33 goals for the Tigers after being drafted in the 2019 draft.
In 2022, he received a rising star nomination.
“He’ll play different roles for us,” Hall said. “We’ll discuss it a bit more when training starts.
“He’s a good size and super fit and we can play him all over the ground. Most of our players are pretty adaptable.”
Hall said that the reaction since the announcement had been really positive.
He said many of their senior players get down to help with Auskick and the juniors and Cumberland at stage some would be part of that so it will benefit everyone
He’s one of the first new signing announced by the division 2 premiers. The Lions will play top flight football for the first time in 45 years.
Hall said they had added a couple of players here and there and speaking to a couple more recruits.
He said they hadn’t added many players and those they did add had to fit with the family environment the club has.
“The recruits we’ve had the last few years are good fellows and Noah is no exception,” he said.
“It is going to be a challenge but exciting at the same time. I don’t know what we can do and we will have to be at our best every week.
‘It is what we need as a football club.”
The Lions will resume training next week.
