Shepherd, who was named at full-back in this year’s Sydney-AFL Team of the Year, will bring some much-needed height to the Tigers’ defence with Jay Koehler returning to Howlong and Ed Clark moving to Melbourne.

His arrival follows the recent signing of midfielder John Mitchell and has dispelled any doubts the reigning premier will tumble down the Ovens and Murray ladder after losing six premiership players.

Originally from Albury, Shepherd played in Pennant Hills’ 2006 premiership and took out the club’s Footballer of the Year this season as a key backman.

“He’s a very good footballer and we’re sorry to see him go,” club president Peter Campbell said yesterday.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a monster of a guy, but Lloyd has a heart the size of a lion.

“He’s played some great football for us and rang all the players to tell him he was leaving.

“We wish him all the best.”

Albury coach Paul Spargo said Shepherd would be a welcome addition, but suggested he could play at either end of the ground and wouldn’t be pigeon-holed as a backman.

“I would say he could play back or forward,” Spargo said.

The Tigers recruiting focus will now centre on delisted Richmond player Kayne Pettifer who was overlooked in yesterday’s AFL pre-season and rookie drafts.

Pettifer, 27, was picked up with the No.9 selection in the 2000 draft and played 113 matches and kicked 132 goals for the AFL club before being shown the door.

Albury and Yarrawonga are vying for his signature with home club Kyabram believed to be a long shot.

The classy half-forward is expected to make a decision within the next week.

Meanwhile, Southport has confirmed North Albury wingman Kane Godde had committed to the Queensland AFL club.