Abel Carney has one of the oldest biblical names - and this year he has returned to his promised land: the Manilla Tigers.
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After sitting out 2018 following Manilla folding, the multi-sport standout is back in Tiger land as they prepare for the new reserve-grade season.
Expected to play fullback or in the halves, Carney will be key to the Tigers' chances this year.
He will renew his potent spine partnership with Group 4 halfback and Manilla captain-coach Mitch Doran, who has returned to the Tigers after starring for Kooty in their run to the 2018 first-grade minor premiership.
Carney said "in a way" he was waiting for Manilla to return so he could play footy again, although his purchase of a new home was a factor in him sitting out 2017.
"And then young Mitchell Doring has come back out to coach Manilla, so a lot of young fellas have come back too - a lot of young locals.
"So I sort of wanted to go out and help out where I could, or whatever, and get amongst it."
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He added: "We've got plenty of youth up there at the moment with a couple of older fellas.
"If the first week [of training] is anything to go by, we should be fit by the start of the season … If we can keep that intensity up, we should hit the ground running [for the start of the competition]."
Before that happens, Carney is chasing another premiership with Old Boys. He got a great thrill last Saturday, when, as keeper, he fielded next to Test vice-captain Josh Hazlewood and then batted with him against City United.
