MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes' flag hopes could be about to get another boost with the club's lengthy quest to lure Col Sanbrook back to the fold a step away from reality.
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The Goannas officially lodged a clearance to bring the 39-year-old back to his home club on Tuesday.
Sanbrook, who last played for MCUE in their grand final losses to Collingullie-Glenfield Park in 2014 and 2015, has played four games this year for North Ringwood in the Eastern Football League veterans division one.
He won the Riverina League player of the year in 2014, voted on weekly by coaches, as well as the Goannas' best and fairest award.
Sanbrook's experience and good decision making would come in handy at the pointy end of the season as unbeaten MCUE chases its first flag since 1993.
Goannas coach Jeremy Rowe had his final discussions with Sanbrook on Monday night, and stressed the clearance is yet to be rubber stamped.
The club has been actively looking to sign Sanbrook, who will likely play half-back if the clearance is approved, for about two years.
Sanbrook is based in Melbourne and had signed to play for MCUE last year before border closures ended any hopes of a return.
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"It would be a big deal on a spiritual and morale level to get Col back to the club. He grew up less than a kilometre from our ground, and the Sanbrook name is entrenched in the club's history," Rowe said.
"Col returned to the club a little while ago, had a throw at the stumps at achieving premiership success and came very close.
"He's had a very prosperous career at country level but it's unfinished business he felt he had at his home club.
"We've been actively speaking to Col for two years, this isn't a case of him picking up the paper, seeing where we at and wanting to jump on board.
"With his family and work commitments and the fact he lives in Melbourne, it shows how hungry and keen he is to come back."
The Goannas will be looking to extend their perfect run this season to nine games when they host Wagga Tigers at Mangoplah Sportsground on Saturday.
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