NORTH Albury wiped another large chunk off its debt yesterday when it released star midfielder Matt McDonald from his contract to play with Jindera.
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Only two weeks after collecting an undisclosed sum from Lavington for key forward Adam Prior, the Hoppers struck another financial deal as they continue to fight their way out of financial strife.
It is believed the pay-outs for Prior and McDonald totalled between $15,000 and $20,000.
McDonald said it was a relief to be able to play for Jindera against Holbrook today after his contract with North Albury was deemed valid by an independent tribunal earlier this week.
“I’m just glad it’s all done,” McDonald said.
“The last couple of months have been pretty tough so it’s good to be able to just put it all behind me.
“Both parties can move on now and I can just worry about playing footy, I guess.”
“I’ve been training and preparing like I was going to play round one.
“I absolutely love it out at Jindera and I need to thank Trevor (Freeman) and Kerry Garland for the work they’ve put in.”
McDonald and Prior, two of the league’s premier players, sought to be released from their contracts soon after North Albury revealed it was $123,000 in debt in January.
North Albury president Mark Cronin said the club could now look forward to next weekend’s opening round against Wangaratta Rovers.
“It’s good to get this behind us so we can focus on next Saturday,” Cronin said.