Star midfielder-forward Jay Moody has informed Portland he will not be at the club next year.
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The 21-year-old has signed with the Stawell Warriors for the 2019 Wimmera Football League season.
Moody’s departure from Hanlon Park is also a big blow for Hampden as he will be missing for interleague after representing the Bottle Greens this year.
Despite being excited about his next chapter Moody said it was not easy to part ways with his home club.
"It was probably the hardest decision to leave Portland, I love the club,” he said.
"Especially right at the moment because I’ve got my best mates there and I think the club is really going places.
"We’ve had a young list that is becoming quite a mature mob with a new coach and assistant coach and I think that’s the fresh voices the club needs.
"The decision was made only due to circumstances, my work commitments are holding me back and travelling all the way home just isn’t fathomable at this point in time."
Moody, who has played VFL will both Geelong and North Ballarat, will put all of his time into his new club.
“I’ve put aside any VFL commitments,” he said.
“My main focus is my new job and to just enjoy my footy in a local footy club.
“Maybe in the near future I will have another crack, but for now I just want to enjoy my footy without the added stress.”
Moody booted 28 goals in his 15 matches last season to win Portland’s goal-kicking.