In a move set to taken some of the gloss off the arrival of VFL stars Willie Wheeler and Leigh Masters at Yarrawonga, McAuley will cross to the Picola and District league club after only one season.

The 26-year-old midfielder finished just two votes behind Harry Wheeler in Yarrawonga's best and fairest with his attack on the ball turning plenty of heads in the Ovens and Murray.

McAuley's decision was heavily based on work opportunities around Berrigan.

Newly-appointed Berrigan coach Ty Russell said McAuley had brought huge energy in his two training sessions with the club.

"He's been fantastic already," Russell said.

"He's coming off a really good season where he left a trail of destruction with his attack on the ball and I think he'll make a big impression with us.

"He's a laid-back sort of character and very honest and our players and supporters have really taken to him.

"It's exciting to get someone of Tim's calibre on board."

Respected Yarrawonga committeeman Chris Kennedy said recently McAuley, Drew Barnes and Don Campbell were the hardest three players he had seen play for the Pigeons.

McAuley won three successive Farrer league premierships at Temora from 2012, before joining South Mildura.

He represented Sunraysia the following season before moving to AFL Cairns club Centrals Trinity Beach.

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