WHEN Wagga Tigers' new player-coach Murray Stephenson saw George Kendall up close for the opposition in his second game in charge, he knew he was a serious talent.
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And it could help open up some doors for the talented Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes forward, who has confirmed he wants to test himself in state level football this year.
His departure is a big hole to fill for the Goannas, with the 21-year-old forming one of the league's most lethal forward partnerships with leading goalkicker Trent Castles.
Kendall kicked four goals in the Goannas' 72-point win over the Tigers. Stephenson had just returned home from spending several seasons with SANFL side Central Districts, and centre-half forward Kendall hopes to pick up a deal in Adelaide.
"I'm hoping to get to SANFL. Murray Stephenson was talking to me through the year and he said it was a great experience down there," Kendall said.
"I thought I may as well do it. At the start of the year he pointed me in the direction of one of the teams down there, so I have to thank him for that.
"I just want to try a higher level of footy and see how I go."
Kendall kicked 27 goals in 15 games this year, but it's his work rate up the ground which has ensured he's developed into one of the league's most dangerous forwards.
He said the decision to leave was made tougher by the fact MCUE had a strong chance to end their 28-year flag drought this year before finals were cancelled.
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The vast majority of the squad have already re-committed for next season.
"It really sucks because we were right there with a chance to win it," he said.
"If they go on and win it next year I'll be rapt for them, but filthy I'm not a part of it.
"I'm doing everything I can this off season to get myself in shape to be in that position (to play SANFL). If I can get there, hopefully I can make an impact straight away."
After confirming this weke he will coach again next year, Goannas mentor Jeremy Rowe confirmed they would bid farewell to Kendall and Canberra-based ruckman Sam De Sousa.
"If they do depart they'll leave holes. We thought we were a tall team this year, but we'd like to add another with a couple going, and a big inside midfielder if we can.
"But other than that I want to back the current group and the development of the young players."
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