Prized Turvey Park signing Kade Garland has walked out on the Bulldogs just a fortnight out from the start of the Riverina League season.
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Garland has sought a clearance to Hume League powerhouse Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock only months after signing with the Bulldogs.
He played in two of Turvey Park’s pre-season trial games and had been training with the Bulldogs up until last week.
The Bulldogs have agreed to release Garland on compassionate grounds as he cited personal reasons for the change in plans.
Turvey Park captain-coach Truman Carroll conceded it was a devastating loss for the Bulldogs.
“It’s really unfortunate, it’s a huge blow for us,” Carroll said.
“The boys are shattered, we thought we could challenge every team with him there. It’s a big spanner in the works.
“There’s not much we can do about it though and the club and I would like to wish Kade all the best for the future. In his time at the club he has been a great influence to all our players.”
Garland had played in the ruck in both trial games. It leaves Turvey Park without a ruckman with last year’s rucks, Kodie O’Malley and Tyler Maher, both having moved on.
Carroll said it was too late to find a replacement.
“We’ve put some feelers out but I don’t think we’ll get anyone now,” he said.
“Unless someone has a falling out with a club, you’re going to struggle to get anyone. It’s the start of the season, you’ve done the whole pre-season, everyone’s rearing to go, no one is going to jump ship now.”
Garland, who spent a decade with Ovens and Murray League club Lavington, was Turvey Park’s marquee signing and was travelling from Albury to link with the Bulldogs.
He is a good mate of Carroll and spoke of his excitement in helping Turvey Park climb the ladder when he signed last December.
The Bulldogs have used Josh Ashcroft and Alex Burgmann in the ruck during their latest two trials.
Despite the loss of Garland, Turvey Park have won all four of their trial games, beating Corowa-Rutherglen, Temora, North Wagga and Charles Sturt University.
Their latest win came against CSU on Saturday, beating the Bushpigs 10.8 (68) to 6.6 (42).
Turvey Park host Coolamon at Maher Oval on Saturday week in the opening round of the Riverina League season.
