But the Temora product admits the Ovens and Murray will be easily his greatest challenge.

“Yeah definitely, but I want to challenge myself in footy,” he said.

“I normally move around for the lifestyle option and Yarrawonga is on the (Murray) river like Mildura and I like that lifestyle.”

The 186cm McAuley won three successive Farrer league premierships at Temora from 2012, before tackling the higher level at South Mildura.

In a positive sign for his Border stint, the centreman easily handled the step, snaring a shock win in the McLeod Medal in 2015, despite missing six games with a broken foot.

McAuley represented Sunraysia the following season before moving to Centrals Trinity Beach in the AFL Cairns competition.

He won the club best and fairest and was set to return north this year, but suffered a cracked scapula when he started the season back at Temora.

McAuley played four senior games with the Kangaroos this year, including a surprise return for their semi-final win against East Wagga-Kooringal (only to re-injure his shoulder).

He also played rugby league with Group 20 outfit Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo United, where he knows a number of players due to their joint passion for pig hunting.

McAuley combined Australian Rules and league in his hometown until his mid-teens.

“I guess league has helped me with my inside work, like my tackling,” he said.

It’s been a difficult off-season for the Pigeons, losing a number of top players, including the league’s best ruckman Lach Howe and full-back Logan Morey.

Yarrawonga coach Damian Sexton believes McAuley will assist the development of the Pigeons’ youngsters who made significant inroads last season.

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