While co-coach Brad Murray acknowledged Broadbent’s decision to stay in Melbourne due to personal reasons was a major blow, he has backed the Ovens and Murray club’s beefed-up midfield to hold its own this year.

“We are definitely on the look out for another player as Shannon was a top-end recruit,” Murray said.

“But at this time of the year it’s going to be hard (to land one).

“We’ll keep having a sniff around but to be honest I’m pretty happy with our midfield.

“I would love another forward if one came along.”

Broadbent notified Myrtleford of his change of heart earlier this month, with the decorated Tatura recruit since aligning himself with Deer Park.

He played in a flag at Deer Park in 2013.

“It’s disappointing because Shannon was as keen as mustard,” Murray said.

“He was texting us about training and things like that and looking forward to it.

“But for personal reasons it was going to be hard coming to Myrtleford each weekend and we understand his decision.

“We just have to move on.”

Myrtleford is hoping to claw its way into the top five on the back of the arrival of recruits Mitch Hough, Willie Thorne, Fraser Lucas and John Simpson and the continued development of Mitch Dalbosco, Nathan Cossignani and Christian Burgess.

The Alpine Saints have resumed training after the Christmas break in what has been a gruelling pre-season.

They have locked in practice matches at home against Wangaratta on Sunday, March 8, followed by Wangaratta Rovers on Saturday, March 14, before a trip to play Goulburn Valley league premier Shepparton Swans on March 21.