Carey, 31, and premiership teammate Tom Yates have signed with Farrer league club The Rock-Yerong Creek.

In a further bonus, the Magpies have also signed Casey Hillary, who played in Jerilderie’s flag win this season.

Yates, who played in premierships with the Tigers in 2011 and this season, joined Albury from the Magpies and was instrumental in luring Carey to Victoria Park.

Magpies coach David Pieper said Carey was the best-credentialled player to join the Farrer league in at least a decade, having played in all four of Albury’s premiership wins in the past six seasons.

“It’s a huge coup for the club,” Pieper said.

“Andy’s record obviously speaks for itself.

“I don’t think there would be anyone running around in the Farrer league or the Riverina league who would even come close to what Andy has achieved in football.

“While he is getting towards the end of his career, he will have a huge impact in the Farrer league.

“Tom has also done well to be a regular in Albury’s star-studded line-up and will give us a bit of leg speed and versatility.

“Casey kicked four goals in the grand final and will also give us a bit of versatility.”

Carey joined Albury in 2009 and was an integral part of the Tigers winning three consecutive flags from 2009 to 2011 and then again this season.

He also played in two losing grand finals for Myrtleford, in 2005 and 2006.

The Tiger enforcer booted more than 250 goals at Albury Sportsground and was a noted big-game performer.

Pieper said his playing group had re-committed for next season after missing finals for the first time in more than a decade.

“I’ve been at the club for nine years and this year was the first time we didn’t play finals since 1999,” he said.

“A few of the old blokes around the club have been getting into me about it.

“Every senior player has committed and re-signed, which was a priority.

“If we can sign another three or four we should be able make a return as a finals force.”