Recently delisted ex-Sydney and St Kilda defender Ben Paton has signed with local club the Albury Tigers for the 2026 season.
Paton was let go by the Swans at the cessation of their recent campaign, ending the 27-year-old's sole season with the New South Wales side after four AFL games.
The 187cm backman earned a career lifeline with the Swans 12 months ago following seven seasons and 71 games with St Kilda.
Paton was drafted out of Mitta United in 2017 and is now venturing back to the region after his AFL exit.
"We're thrilled to welcome Ben to the Sportsground for our 150th season," A club post read.
"After eight years at AFL level with both St Kilda and the Sydney Swans, where he played 75 games as a reliable defender, Ben returns home to the Border — a local talent from Mitta who has long been on the Tigers' radar.
"It's been a long time in the making, with the club keeping in regular touch with Ben. Now, surrounded by plenty of mates at the club — including both of our senior coaches, who were his ex-Bushies teammates — the timing couldn't be better.
"We're absolutely stoked and incredibly fortunate to have Ben, his partner Tess, and their families join the Tiger family ahead of this milestone year."
Albury, competing in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League, finished seventh on the league ladder with eight wins from 18 matches in 2025.
