Group Nine
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ONE of Southcity's most damaging and experienced players has made a surprise Group Nine club switch on the eve of the season.
Barnstorming front rower John "Wal" Makeham has packed up and left the Bulls to join 2013 battler Junee.
The shock signing was unveiled yesterday by Diesels coach Jade Williams.
"He came to us and asked if we had a spot, we didn't want to make any promises, but we'll give him an opportunity (to play)," Williams said.
"(Makeham's) excited to play with a young forward pack."
While Makeham's club switch only came to light this week, he explained to The Daily Advertiser he had made up his mind a fortnight ago.
The big forward has spent the best part of a decade at Southcity, which he joined after taking six years off football.
He had played with fellow Group Nine club Gundagai in his younger days.
But Makeham says it was a rift between he and the Bulls which ultimately forced his hand.
"There were a couple of underlying issues there; I wasn't too happy with the club,"
- John Makeham
"There were a couple of underlying issues there; I wasn't too happy with the club," Makeham said.
"(But) it was a tough decision."
With his club switch out in the open, Makeham is now looking forward to the season ahead with Junee.
He will debut for the Diesels when they host Temora at Laurie Daley Oval on Sunday.
Makeham believes Junee has flown under the radar and is warning opposition clubs to watch out.
"I reckon we could be a bit of a dark horse," he said.
"I reckon we are are a good shot of making finals.
"It's something a bit different, a new challenge and Junee has a lot of young blokes so I'm looking forward to it."
At 33 years of age Makeham will become one of the more experienced players in the Junee camp.