In a massive boost to the Pigeons’ hopes of remaining an Ovens and Murray heavyweight, star teammate Kayne Pettifer has also recommitted for a third season.

Ednie’s brother Luke has signed with Tallangatta league club Wahgunyah and Craig was also heavily linked to the Lions due to his close friendship with coach Nic O’Bryan.

Brendan Fevola, who will co-coach the Pigeons for the first time next season alongside Drew Barnes, said it was a huge relief to re-sign their most important player.

“It’s great news and I was getting worried the little master might leave us,” he said.

“A lot of clubs are obviously throwing big dollars at him but it’s a great testament to his character that he has signed and how loyal he is.

“He doesn’t owe Yarrawonga anything and could have easily left for more money.

“But I didn’t want one of my best mates to leave just as I started coaching — it wouldn’t have been a good look.”

Despite not polling a vote in the Morris Medal this season, Ednie captured a fourth club best and fairest to enhance his reputation as one of the greatest Pigeons’ of all-time.

The 32-year-old has played 196 matches and Fevola said the 200-match milestone was one of the motivating factors for Ednie to extend his glittering career with the Pigeons.

“He has won three flags, four best and fairests, a Did Simpson Medal and a Morris Medal,” he said

“He has got four games to go to reach 200 and will go down as not only the greatest player for Yarrawonga ever but also one of the greatest O and M players ever.

“He is obviously going to be a Hall of Famer and is simply a superstar.

“So to lose him would have been shattering because I love him like a brother.”

Yarrawonga has now re-signed its four most important players in Ednie, Fevola, Pettifer and Barnes.

Midfielder Jeremy O’Brien is the Pigeons’ only confirmed departure after recently accepting the coaching job at Tungamah.

Fevola said he was confident of retaining most of the list as the Pigeons’ looked to avenge their shattering seven-point loss to fierce rival Albury in last month’s decider.

“Craig is like the rest of us and still hurting that we lost that grand final,” he said.

“He wants to win another one and I’m fortunate that he stayed and hopefully we can reward him with another flag.

“I spoke to a few more of the boys today and now Craig is locked in they are also keen to go again and we won’t lose too many.

“If we had won a third flag in a row, I think a lot of blokes would have maybe gone to other clubs.

“But the hurt of losing this year will be a real driving force for next season.”