Redeyes return to Rams

Tyndall and MacDonald left the Rams to play for Blighty in 2016, with the duo etching their names in Redeyes history as best and fairest winners.

Tyndall, who coached the Redeyes for the past two seasons, won the club best and fairest in 2018, and said it was a bittersweet situation.

“It's a good feeling to be going back to my home club at the Rams, but I'm also pretty sad to be leaving Blighty,” he said.

“Blighty has done so much for my development as a player and leader and I'll always be grateful for that, but it was just time to go back.

“I'm also keen to just take a step back from coaching and be able to just concentrate on my footy.”

While both Redeyes reunite with former teammates, it will be particularly exciting for Tyndall.

Tyndall, 25, was a part of the Rams’ last premiership win in 2011 and would again play alongside the likes of Ricky Gittens, Todd Gallagher, Nick Howe, Josh Whelan and Oliver Draffin.

He would also be led by non-playing coach Sam Hall, who also was a part of the 2011 triumph.

“Sam (Hall) has been one bloke who has always kept in constant contact with me since I left the club, so I'm excited to play under his guidance,” Tyndall said.

“While there are a few of my premiership teammates there, the playing list is quite different.

“It's a young list that showed pretty promising signs last year before injuries struck.

“I'm not too old, but I feel old coming back into the club with how many young players there are.

“John Anstee (Rams captain) is a bloke I'm excited to play alongside.

“Hopefully I can play down in defence with him, but I'm happy to play wherever I'm needed.

“John actually sent both myself and Lachie a message to welcome us to the club, so it's made the decision to come back a bit easier.”

The Rams finished 11th on the ladder this season, winning six of the first eight games before an injury cloud saw them go through a 10 game losing streak.