MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes will be without ruckman Andrew Pettigrove this season, as key midfielder Col Sanbrook weighs up his future.
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Pettigrove informed the Goannas this week that he will not travel back for a third season with the club.
Sanbrook is also weighing up his options after a change in work commitments has made it difficult to agree to another year with his home club.
The travel to and from Melbourne over the past two years has taken it’s toll on Pettigrove, who is likely to play closer to home this season with Kyabram and District League club Lancaster.
New MCUE co-coach Travis Cohalan paid tribute to the departing clubman.
“After two years of travelling he’s decided to play closer to home and play with some mates,” Cohalan said.
“He’s been fantastic for us, there is no better bloke than Petti.
“He’s a champion bloke off the field and has been a very, very good player for us on the field.
“He’s just been great to have around the club.
“The club is really appreciative of the service he has given us, it’s a massive effort to travel all the way and still play great footy and the club wishes him all the best.”
Pettigrove played 33 games for the Goannas over the two seasons and was in the best on 17 occasions, kicking 27 goals.
He played in both grand final losses.
Sanbrook, having lost his travelling partner, is believed to be considering a similar move to Pettigrove but the Goannas have not given up hope of losing their 2014 best and fairest winner.
“I’ve had a good chat to Col and he still hasn’t made up his mind,” Cohalan said.
“He’s going to be busy with work and family commitments but he hasn’t ruled it out.
“He knows we would love to have him back and at the moment he’s weighing up his options and he will make decisions in coming weeks.”
MCUE, to date, has only lost Pettigrove and Jock Cornell from last year’s losing grand final team, while Mitch Daniher will miss the early part of the season with a knee injury.
They have welcomed back Ryan Price and added rugby league convert Tristan Dickson.
“We’re still talking to two or three from outside the area and hopefully we can get one or two of them,” Cohalan said.
Numbers have started to build at training with Harry Collins and Dickson among those to impress.
The Goannas have reappointed under 17 premiership coach Tony Matthews, while Jeff Millar will take the coaching reins in reserve grade.
