In a move set to shock the Riverina Australian rules community, McPherson informed AFL staff of his decision on Wednesday afternoon.

McPherson will finish up a 15-year career with AFL on February 19 to join Croker Grain as a grain merchant.

It brings to an end a successful six-year reign in charge of AFL in the region.

McPherson told The Daily Advertiser that it was not an easy decision to make.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and my family, an opportunity that you don’t come across every day,” McPherson said.

“It was a tough call, I’ve worked for the AFL for 15 years and I’m passionate about the role.

“Footy has been everything for me. Fifteen years with the AFL the another two years with the Swans before that that I’ve had a full-time role in the game.

“I’m proud of what myself and the team have achieved in the Southern NSW over the last six years.”

Originally from Ganmain, McPherson returned home to the Riverina at the start of 2010 to take on the regional manager position.

After six years in the job, McPherson believes it is time for change and expects the game to continue to thrive.

“I think change is good for the AFL,’ he said.

“I think the Riverina football community will benefit from a change of leadership in the region.

“It will be a new challenge for our (AFL) team and an individual.”

Drafted to the Sydney Swans from Ganmain in 1997, McPherson had a couple of years on the AFL list before making a strong mark on AFL Sydney, both on and off the field.

A boilermaker by trade, McPherson started in the Wagga AFL office in 2010 and has since overseen great growth in the game over the past six years.

He also coached NSW at the Australian Country Championships in Wagga, as well as the Farrer League representative team last year.

McPherson can’t wait to start with Croker Grain.

“The respect I’ve got for the business is enormous.”