mmg.com.au

New Benalla coach Luke Morgan has not given up hope that reigning best-and-fairest Alistair Jacka will turn out for the Saints this year.

Jacka, who had a breakout Goulburn Valley Football League season highlighted by interleague selection, is being courted by reigning North East Australian Football League eastern conference premier Queanbeyan Tigers.

The goal-kicking midfielder has indicated to the Saints that a move to the Tigers, who are coached by his former Murray Bushrangers teammate Kade Klemke, could be on the cards.

The Tigers’ website has already reported he has signed.

Morgan said he was hopeful Jacka would remain with the Saints.

‘‘At the moment it is not looking good, but we are still hopeful that he will remain a Benalla player this year,’’ Morgan said.

‘‘He has been in talks with them (Queanbeyan), but he is still training with us, he isn’t planning to make a move for a couple of months and it is basically just in limbo at the moment.’’

Morgan said if Jacka did shift to the NSW-based club it would be a major blow to the Saints.

‘‘It would be a massive loss,’’ he said.

‘‘He is our reigning best-and-fairest and is a real quality member of our side, not just on the field, but off it as well.

‘‘But it is up to him, if he decides that it is best for him to head up there then that is his choice.’’

The potential defection comes as a further hit in the wake of 2011 best-and-fairest Brady Green opting to join the Saints’ Goulburn Valley league rivals Rochester, instead of returning to his home club.

But it is not all bad news at Benalla Showgrounds.

Murray Bushrangers best-and-fairest and Victoria Country representative Sam Martyn has committed to the club for this season.

Martyn, who was on AFL clubs’ radars after attending the state Draft Combine, had fielded offers from state league clubs before pledging his commitment to the Saints.

‘‘He is only a 19-year-old, but he is a really mature footballer,’’ Morgan said.

‘‘He will really create some damage this year.’’

Morgan said he was excited at the prospect of Martyn heading the Saints’ younger brigade, along with Nick Warnock, Jordan Wolff, Jake Palpratt and Harry Moran.

He said 12 of 13 Saints players coming out of their minor premiership winning under-18s team had also committed to the club.

It adds to the recruitment of delisted Collingwood rookie Lachie Smith, Tungamah’s Duane Haebich, Finley’s Jordan Daniel and Assumption College’s Alex Hay.

Morgan said the club was still in discussions with several potential recruits.