Claremont footballer, Shane McAdam, who as a junior recorded some stunning state draft camp results is the headline act.

McAdam, 22, recorded a vertical leap of 102cm in the running vertical leap trial. This records the distance between feet and ground.

The other signing is William Farrer, who is set to play through the midfield and across half forward, a similar role to that of McAdam.

Both players last year spent the season playing for Halls Creek, which is located in the Eastern Kimberley of Western Australia.

Tiwi Bombers star Clement Kerinaiua will also return to Howlong after an impressive 2016 season with the Spiders.

Howlong were eliminated in last year’s preliminary final by CDHBU and with the additional signing of Matt McDonald look set for another competitive year.

The Hume league season starts April 1 with the grand final set down for September 16 at Walbundrie sportsground. Defending premiers Brock Burrum Saints are again expected to be the team to beat, with Henty touted as the big improver.

The league will play interleague football against old rivals Tallangatta FL at Sandy Creek on May 18. Netball will also be played on same day.

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THE Hume season is only two weeks away but things are not looking good in the under 17s with two clubs missing teams. Both CDHBU and Billabong Crows have already withdrawn from the under 17s. It is understood that at least four other clubs are struggling with numbers.

President Merv Wegener  says the league will look at all possible options to assist clubs.

“... One of the options we will be looking at is sixteen-a-side teams. Another option is going to under 16 and under 13 age divisions instead of the current under 14 and under 17 structure,” Wegener said.

North East Border operations manager Gavan Rendell said Tallangatta and Upper Murray are experiencing similar problems.