Born and bred in the town, the three-time premiership player has decided to take the plunge on a sea change.

He said he’s been considering a move for a couple of years and with some family in Newcastle, now’s the time.

“It’s not so much for the footy, it’s more a personal change,” Drummond said.

“I enjoyed my footy more last year than ever and I’m pretty good mates with Whip (coach Christin Macri) so it’s a bit hard but it’s getting to the stage where I had to go.”

He’ll join Warners Bay in the Black Diamond League and Macri said the midfielder will leave a big hole at home.

“He’s a great leader and he’s brilliant the way he goes about his footy and the way he plays,” Macri said.

“It’s unfortunate for the footy club… and typical Robbie feels like he’s letting the club down but he’s certainly not doing that. 

“He was sensational last year and he goes with my full support.”

Macri said he understood Drummond’s desire to scratch an itch and experience a change of lifestyle. 

“Footy’s one small part of life and as a footy coach I’m more concerned about how they are as a person.”

Temora have added six new signings for this year but Drummond joins Matt Wallis, Dominic Joyce, Chris Block and Jason Reid on the list of losses.

“Absolutely he’s a loss... but with a loss comes opportunity for someone else,” Macri said.

“That’s just the way it rolls.”

Drummond is currently in Newcastle, making arrangements for his move north.

He’s already had a run at Warners Bay, the old club of new Temora ruckman Anthony Atkin. 

“It’s a straight swap – me for Anthony Atkin,” Drummond said. 

“We’re pretty much the same. The only difference is he’s about five feet taller.”

If the larger-than-life personality will be missed at Temora, then the feeling’s mutual.

“I’ve lived there all my life, I went to school there, all my mates are there.

“Leaving my mates is the toughest thing and the last four years have been pretty successful.”