The 27-year-old has signed with Colac after relocating to the town six months ago.

Whiteford coached Camperdown for the past three Hampden league seasons.

Last year he co-coached the Magpies with Bernard Moloney, who has taken sole control of the reins this year.

Whiteford initially indicated he would continue to play in the black and white strip but the opportunity to play GFL and slash travel time proved too good to pass up.

“I didn’t really want to leave Camperdown and I know it’s probably going to disappoint some people,” he told The Standard yesterday.

“I’ve spoken to Bernie and he was supportive of me, but I’m yet to talk to players.

“Camperdown footy club has been a great club and a great support to me and my family.

“But it came down to a question of travel. It’s just a lifestyle thing.”

Whiteford had previously lived in Geelong and commuted to Camperdown for training and matches.

His wife Stacey also played netball for the Magpies.

Whiteford moved to Colac with his wife and 16-month-old son Elijah last year to take up the managerial role at Blue Water Fitness Centre.

The Tigers’ training ground is over the road from his workplace.

“My wife knows people who play netball for Colac,” Whiteford said. “It will make things a lot easier for us, being closer to home.

“Our families are in Geelong as well.”

Whiteford will step into the midfield for Colac this year.

He arrives with great credentials, having played for GFL side Geelong West-St Peters and winning the club’s senior best and fairest as a teenager in 2002.

The crafty onballer also played one game for Geelong in the VFL in 2003.

Whiteford will have no official leadership role at the Tigers but will be happy to offer advice if required.

“We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth,” he said.

“There’s a lot of good young guys coming through.”

Meanwhile, Warrnambool has picked up Dartmoor premiership ruckman Luke McDonald from the South West District league.

The Blues will be hoping McDonald can fill the gap left by Maskell medallist Rhys Raymond, who has signed with Geelong West-St Peters.