Gaffney is moving to Albury to study health and rehab science in what he hopes will be the first step towards becoming a physiotherapist.

But the speedy midfielder also wants to see how far he can take his football and has started training with Lavington ahead of the move.

“A bit of nerves but it's pretty exciting. Lav have welcomed me pretty well at training,” Gaffney said.

“Even the training’s been pretty intense. They’ve got a few handy players there and you can tell already from the skills and leadership that it’s going to be tough.”

The teenager knows that improving his skills is crucial if he’s to make the most of the opportunity.

“Just getting strength in the legs and being able to hit those targets while you’re fatigued. That’s what I think is the difference between country and the higher up footy, the skill level of the kick.”

Gaffney will join ex-Saints ruckman Jeremy Luff at Lavington and has been travelling down with former Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong forward Daniel Hitchens.

But his first-hand knowledge of the league is limited.

“I went and watched the grand final last year. It was pretty intense. It was quick and tough but it was good – bigger bodies, and quicker.”

Gaffney said he’s learnt plenty at North Wagga in three years under Nathan Dowdle, as well as from Chad and Kirk Hamblin in the last 12 months.

Leaving the Saints wasn’t an easy call and he sought the advice of his coach before leaving.

“Kirk’s happy for me to play down there. He said ‘Lach, you’re down there - play the best footy you can.’”