Griffith's quest to end the club's premiership drought has taken a blow with Jordan Iudica set to stay in Canberra next season.
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After four seasons with the Swans, Iudica has signed with AFL Canberra club Queanbeyan for next year.
He will reunite with former Griffith coach Adrian Pavese, who coaches the Tigers. Iudica will be Queanbeyan's midfield coach.
It is a huge loss for Griffith, and the Riverina League, after Iudica stamped himself as one of the best players in the competition over the past four seasons.
Iudica played 69 games at the Swans, won two best and fairests and took out the Riverina League Player of the Year award, voted by coaches, in 2018.
The Swans concede Iudica is a huge loss and thanked him for his service on the club's Facebook page.
"He has been a big part of returning the club to finals and in developing our young talent," the post read.
"We sincerely thank him for everything he has bought to the club and wish him every bit of success at the Tigers.
"Hope to see him in the red and white again one day."
Pavese is thrilled to have Iudica alongside him at Queanbeyan.
"The inclusion of Iudica will provide much needed experience to the squad and strengthen the Tigers midfield group," Pavese wrote of Queanbyan's Facebook page.
"He will also add an extra forward presence having kicked 83 goals for the Swans when rotating forward.
"Jordan will also take the reins as midfield coach for 2020."
It is the first departure from Griffith's grand final team but will not be the last.
Former coach Guy Orton has been linked to a Farrer League club, while young guns Jacob Conlan, Lucas Conlan and Jack Rowston have all attracted interest from a number of clubs outside the region.
Griffith remain the only Riverina League club yet to announce their coach for next season but the Swans hope to finalise the appointment this week.
Meantime, Griffith captain James Toscan was rewarded for a fine season with his first club best and fairest earlier this month.
Toscan beat key forward Jacob Conlan to win the award.
Iudica was named most consistent, while Lucas Conlan was awarded Griffith's best in finals.
Jess Conlan took out Griffith's A grade netball best and fairest and player's player award.
Other netball best and fairest winners were Giordan Pastro (A reserve), Megan Brumby (B grade), Jasmine Boyland (C grade) and Julia Forner (under 17).
Ben Tarr (reserve grade) and Dean Bennett (under 17) picked up the lower grade football best and fairests.
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