WAGGA Tigers have lost star Canberra recruit Sean Ellis for next season.
Wagga Tigers president Scott Bance has confirmed Ellis will stay in Canberra next season with the club having already agreed to release the explosive midfielder.
In a huge blow to Tigers’ Riverina League premiership chances, Ellis requested a release from his contract due to family reasons.
AFL Canberra club Tuggeranong announced Ellis’ signing on Friday night.
Bance said it would have been unfair to deny Ellis’ request.
“Sean’s got a baby due in March,” Bance said on the weekend.
“He's got another child too, so it was going to be too hard to travel with all that.
“It’s easiest for him if he stays in Canberra for now.”
Ellis was set to be arguably the most exciting recruit into the Riverina League next season.
Although only small in stature, Ellis had carved out a reputation as one of the most explosive midfielders in the North Eastern Australian Football League (NEAFL).
He also has the ability to play forward and kick goals.
Bance conceded it was unfortunate for Tigers.
“It's pretty disappointing but we're fully supportive of his decision,” he said.
“He was devastated really but he's got to do the right thing by his family.
“We've got no issues, family comes first before footy.
“We support him staying with his family.”
It leaves Tigers with two remaining travelling recruits from Canberra in Dale Walker and Rob Tuohey.
Bance confirmed both were sticking around.
Tigers’ new coach Shaun Campbell is currently overseas but Bance said they would wait until after the Christmas period to look into a replacement for Ellis.
“We've been fairly inactive for a while,” Bance said.
“We'll wait and see what's going on after Christmas and we'll go from there.”
Tigers are hopeful that all goes well and Ellis returns to Tigers for the 2017 season.
Ellis’ departure comes just days after Collingullie premiership co-coach Chris Gordon also requested a release from the Demons.
