Club shocked at Ednie's departure

decision to return to home

Ovens and Murray league club Yarrawonga.

After a week of “hearing whispers” about Ednie’s possible departure, the Lions’ worst nightmare was confirmed when the Morris medallist told the club at the weekend that he would be playing at J.C. Lowe Oval.

The backflip is believed to be the direct result of former Carlton sharpshooter Brendan Fevola coming on board.

Mulwala president John Francis said yesterday Ednie’s decision had rocked the

Murray league club.

“We are pretty disappointed with the decision,” Francis said.

“We thought he was with us after signing some paperwork and thought it was pretty much a done deal.

“Unfortunately, obviously he has been encouraged by other forces to go back.

“As disappointing as it is, we are still excited about the season ahead.

“We believe our list is still better than last year.

“We are extremely disappointed though and I’m sure the rest of the club and supporter group is very much the same.”

Ednie signed a lucrative deal to play under good friend Nic O’Bryan at Mulwala in December but had a change of heart after recently playing with Fevola at Waratahs in the Northern Territory Football League.

Yarrawonga president Glenn Brear said

Fevola’s signing had played a significant role in the former Richmond forward returning.

“Once Fev hopped on board I guess the landscape started to change a little,” Brear said.

“His interest in coming back was enhanced and Joel (Smith) and Toully (Luke Toull) started talking to him and one thing led to another.

“I can only say we’re happy to have him back at

Yarrawonga.”

Ednie could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Ednie has played in

Yarrawonga’s last three grand final losses to Albury and, with the Pigeons’ premiership odds shortening dramatically since signing Fevola, the lure of another crack at the title proved too much to ignore.

His return will add to the club’s already lethal forward line of Fevola, Marcus

McMillan and Brad O’Connor.