Coleambally have suffered a pre-season setback with key position player Simon Mackie moving to the NSW south coast.
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A regular in the Farrer League representative team, Mackie had become a virtual local in his adopted town, as well as a cornerstone of their team.
But the talented tall with the big boot and touch of class is gone, as quickly as he landed in their lap five years ago.
“His wife got a job at Narooma so that all happened pretty quickly,” president Shane Mannes said.
“He was training with us and next thing he was going. It’s unfortunate for us and we’ll miss him.
“You could play him anywhere and he’s a good fella and a good clubman.”
Mackie kicked 115 goals in 85 games for Coleambally, including 51 goals in the 2013 season.
In recent years he spent more time in the backline where he could set them up out of defence.
Mackie’s move follows the departure of another tall, Kodie O’Malley, to Turvey Park.
Defender Wes Kiley has moved back to Narrandera. The Blues are still hoping to hang on to Drew Kenna but the midfielder’s troublesome ankles are his focus.
The Blues have signed two Leeton-Whitton Crows with midfielder Tom Handsaker following Tom Morton.
New coach Michael Griffiths will get a look at the side in a practice match against Hay on March 18.
The Blues are hoping to secure a second pre-season fixture before their season opens on April 8, away to East Wagga-Kooringal.
