From the Weekly Times
NORTH Albury boom recruit Jason Gram showed his class in his debut game in the Ovens and Murray league. The sacked St Kilda defender was silky-skilled in the midfield and named among the Hoppers' best players in their 24-point victory over Myrtleford on Sunday. He was joined in the Round 1 win by coach Jason Akermanis, who had said last week he would not play as it was an away game.
But Akermanis, who booted three goals in the 12.18 (90) to 9.12 (66) win, was forced to take the field as the Hoppers are still awaiting clearances for key pair Adam Prior and Brian Durbidge.
Gram, 28, said he had made the right decision by choosing to sign with North Albury over the "30 or 40" other clubs who had sought his services.
"I got chased by a fair few teams - in the Essendon league, the Geelong league, the Eastern league, they were all over the shop," Gram said.
"I did my research on all the clubs and cut it down to three, then chose North Albury."
Gram admitted his home club, Sale, was never on his short list, despite the Magpies being coached by friend and former Saints teammate Matthew Ferguson.
"When I spoke to Ferg, he said, 'We probably don't have the cash to do it'.
"I told him I wanted to play some good footy and throw my hand up (for AFL) again, and you've got to look after yourself (financially) in your first couple of years out of AFL footy."
