TALENTED key forward James Lawton has quit Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a devastating blow to the Lions’ prospects for next season, Lawton has informed GGGM that he will play elsewhere in 2017.
The Lions have been in negotiations with Lawton for some time but talks between the two parties hit a stalemate recently.
Lawton, along with fellow GGGM players Adam Cullen and Brandon Rigney, are expected to sign with Ovens and Murray League club Corowa-Rutherglen.
Lawton revealed the decision to leave is not one he wanted to make.
“It was a gut wrenching decision to be honest,” Lawton said.
“Me and the boys really wanted to continue to play at Ganmain and if it was up to me we would all be playing at Ganmain next year, but it’s not and that’s why we’ve decided to move on.
“I can’t speak any higher of my home club. The passion and love for the community and footy club has always been in my life and always will be.
“I couldn’t be more appreciative of everything they have done for me and my family and it’s somewhere I hope to play more football one day.”
It was only two months ago that the Lions used the services of Adrian Anderson to help clear Lawton of deregistration.
As part of he and Cullen’s punishment for their involvement in a fight with Leeton-Whitton spectators, they will not be free to play until May 23 next year.
After failing to come to an agreement with GGGM, Lawton decided to once again pursue higher levels of football.
“There was an opportunity for me and the other boys to go and play a higher standard,” he explained.
“It’s something that has driven me my entire career and it hasn’t died down since coming to Ganmain. This pushed me to consider the offers coming from Ovens and Murray and state league levels.”
Lawton booted 91 goals from 25 games for GGGM over the past two seasons.
He is expected to be joined by Narrandera’s Brent Rose at Corowa.