Bulldogs welcome O’brien

HAWTHORN key tall Tim O’brien has officially joined the Western Bulldogs as an intercept defender after agreeing to terms on Thursday.

The Dogs got first-hand experience of his improved form as a defender when he took six intercept marks and had 14 intercept possessions against them in round 22.

With Lewis Young off to Carlton for pick 52, the Dogs have signed O’brien (pictured) as an unrestricted free agent on a twoyear deal.

“I’m absolutely rapt to get it done. Now I can just focus on the footy stuff and get going into next year. I can’t wait,” O’brien said. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. I think the list is in a good spot. There’s a lot of players around my age. It fit well for me and the club.

“Playing in a grand final, they’re right in that window, so that was really appealing.”

O’brien can play as a defender in a side with Zaine Cordy, Ryan Gardner and Alex Keath or play a floating role attempting to intercept mark in the mould of Port’s Aliir Aliir.

In a solid year of 19 games, O’brien found his niche in defence after eight seasons at the Hawks where he kicked 73 goals in 97 games.