While the Kangaroos hope to retain most of their players, the attempted poaching infuriated the club.

“As soon as you look like getting a group of players together, other clubs are coming in and trying to poach them,” Gerhard said.

“It’s very disappointing actually. It’s very frustrating, other clubs in the area speaking to our players.”

Gerhard declined to name names when he raised his concern in an interview with The Daily Advertiser about the big issues in the game. 

“Around here it is, poaching players from towns around the area. It’s very frustrating,” he repeated.

Gerhard queried whether the player points system could be a tool to reduce the problem, potentially by ‘charging’ more points for players who swap clubs from within AFL Riverina.

Temora’s concerns are wholesale approaches to players at their club, not necessarily individuals seeking a change or a challenge. In spite of that, they hope to limit their losses.

Their biggest departure isn’t to a local rival. Captain Charlie Vallance is heading home to Victoria and leaves with the club’s blessing.

“Absolutely. He was always going to go home and it’s something he’s always wanted to do,” coach Jake Wooden said.

“When I came here, Charlie just had the presence of a leader and respect within the group. That’s why I made him captain. When he’d say something, everyone would listen. And he’d lead with his actions. If he’s saying it and doing it, it was hard not to follow him.

“He’ll be hard to replace as a captain and a player and his contribution around the footy club. He’s one of the best players I’ve played with in country footy. I don’t think we can replace him but I wish him all the best in the future with where he’s going and what he’s doing.”

Other losses at this stage are veteran Damien Ponting (retired) while Chase Grintell has decided against travelling across from Wagga for a third season and Abe Wooden returns to Lockhart.

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