TEMORA hardman Tim McAuley has shocked the Farrer League by signing with Sunraysia League club South Mildura.

McAuley revealed on Wednesday that he has decided for lifestyle change and will leave Temora in the new year for a fresh start in Victoria.

The 23-year-old has been one of the Farrer League's premier players over the last three seasons and was heavily pursued by a number of clubs from inside and outside the region.

It was through former Temora ruckman Sam Broomby that South Mildura got in contact with McAuley and they sealed the deal last week.

McAuley said it was time for a change.

"We've had some pretty good success at Temora over the last few years and it felt a little bit like an end of an era with (Mark) Kruger leaving," McAuley said.

"I'm lucky to be able to use footy to help with a lifestyle change which is good."

McAuley has been one of the main reasons behind Temora's three premierships.

He developed into one of the competition's best players with his hardness and ability to win contested football a feature of his game.

He can also play tall as a key position player.

McAuley said it was not an easy decision to leave Temora.

"It's pretty tough to leave anywhere where you have that sort of success," he said.

"Especially when you've got such good mates there.

"The clubs I spoke to around here were really good but if I was going to leave Temora it was going to be for a bit further away and a lifestyle change."

McAuley becomes the sixth premiership player to leave Temora since its third consecutive premiership in September.

Kruger has joined South Australian club Kybybolite, while Sam Fisher and Brad Moye joined Northern Jets and Josh Hagar and Jackson Moye have gone to Marrar.

McAuley is confident Temora will remain a force.

"Hopefully Temora will field a strong team again, they've got a new coach and a few of the boys are staying around which is good."

In good news for the Kangaroos, they have re-signed key defender Charlie Vallance for next season.

Vallance was another Temora player to attract strong interest from Riverina clubs.

Meantime, Northern Jets coach Darren Jackson's son, Matt, has been named co-coach at Finley.

Matt Jackson, a quality footballer, had been linked to the Jets.