The former Warrnambool and District league footballer has left his Merrivale roots behind and signed with Koroit – a club striving to win four straight flags in 2017.

“I wanted to challenge myself and play a higher standard of footy,” Pulling said.

“I want to focus on getting a game. It’s a very strong side and has been for years.”

Pulling, 19, is striving to make the Saints’ best 21 for its season-opener – a standalone fixture against Port Fairy on April 1.

The 2014 Merrivale premiership player – he was the sub in the Tigers’ win over Panmure – said family connections, past and present, helped him choose Koroit when he decided to join a major league competition.

His brother Todd McLean and sisters Louise Brown, Carly Pulling and Cloe Pulling have all had links to the Saints throughout their careers.

Brown has returned to her main passion – basketball – this year as Warrnambool Mermaids coach.

Pulling is among a host of new faces at Koroit, which include former Terang Mortlake captain Damian O’Connor and TAC Cup-listed duo Lukas Essenwagner and Ethan McLaren.