WAGGA Tigers have been dealt another significant blow ahead of their premiership defence with the loss of talented footballer Jackson Kelly to Wodonga Raiders.
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Kelly will move to the border next month after deciding to tackle a higher standard of football in the Ovens and Murray League.
A friendship between Raiders coach Darren Cresswell and Kelly’s dad Paul, a Swans legend, led to the move with the deal finalised on Thursday night.
Kelly, 20, took his game to a new level in Tigers’ premiership year and is keen to see how he goes at a higher standard.
“It’s a better standard of footy down there and I want to see how I go at a higher level,” Kelly said.
“I want to try and play at the highest level and try to better my footy as much as I can.”
Kelly’s fine 2016 season prompted interest from AFL club Gold Coast Suns.
The Suns contacted Kelly at the end of the season and recommended a move to a higher level, although Kelly dismissed the contact as nothing too serious.
“It was just a little chat,” he said.
Kelly finished fifth in Tigers’ close best and fairest count and represented Riverina League in their inter-league fixture.
He played a big part in Tigers’ premiership success and said it was a difficult decision to leave.
“It was, it took me a while to decide. I wasn’t going to do it, then decided to,” he said.
“I didn’t want to travel, so I decided to move and fully commit to it.
“I’ve loved it here. Last year was great, I really enjoyed it.
“The only reason I’m going is to have a go at a higher level, otherwise I wouldn’t be leaving them.”
Kelly’s departure continues a tough off-season for the Riverina premiers.
After defeating Leeton-Whitton by four points in a thrilling Riverina League grand final, it has been one-way traffic out of Robertson Oval over the off-season.
None of the departures have been to rival clubs, with players either bettering themselves or moving interstate.
Shaun Flanigan (Wodonga Bulldogs) and Brady Morton (Albury Tigers) have both also decided to try the Ovens and Murray League.
Key position players John Anstee (Deniliquin), Dale Walker (South Croydon) and Brad Graham (Melbourne) have also moved on.
Tigers have picked up former North Wagga coach Nathan Dowdle.
Wagga Tigers captain-coach Shaun Campbell has no problems with his young players trying to better themselves at higher levels and wished Kelly all the best.