Josh Saunders says he had hoped to be part of South Warrnambool’s future.
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The 24-year-old, who is now based in Geelong, has finished with the club after two seasons in the Hampden league.
He joins James Hussey as the two latest departures from the Roosters’ coop.
The former St Kilda player, who has signed with South Barwon in the Geelong league, said he was sad to leave the club.
"It was a really hard decision because I had made a lot of mates down there and the club is going in the right direction," he said.
"They have got a good young list and some really talented players in there and will be picking up a few more this year.
"I love Warrnambool as a place and the people down there I met through the footy club were really good and I made a lot of friends there.
"And it is a really good club to play at and a really good standard of footy to play.
"So it was really a decision I had to make for me because the travel wasn't going to be good for my football or good for work and all those sorts of things.”
Saunders, who has been living in Geelong for two months, said he did not think his decision would come as a shock.
The Roosters star who also represented Hampden at interleague has started an electrical apprenticeship in Geelong.
He said it was difficult telling his teammates of his decision, but said they respected his call.
"I was always planning on moving back to Geelong at the end of this year, so we just had to decide with footy and work and all of those things,” he said.
"And it was just going to be a bit hard travelling back to play football, both for me and my girlfriend so that was the reason behind the decision.
"I guess I sort of put it in their minds after the season had finished that I was not sure what I was doing, but they knew I was moving to Geelong and needed to find work.
"They were all understanding, but obviously wanted me to play but just the way it worked out it just wasn't going to be practical for me.”