The former Port Adelaide key position player is returning to his home club Tanunda, which plays in the Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association.

Westhoff said a job opportunity in nearby Clare was too hard to refuse.

“I made the decision after the season finished,” the 27-year-old said.

“I had a job opportunity, that was the main reason.

“If that didn’t come up, I definitely would have stayed.

“It was one I would be silly to pass up.”

Westhoff, who played six AFL games for Port Adelaide from 2008-2011, will return to South Australia in time for Christmas with his family.

But he leaves Wangaratta with a heavy heart.

Westhoff booted 22 goals from his 16 games, with a best haul of four against eventual premier Albury in round three.

While disappointed to finish seventh and miss the finals, Westhoff loved his short time at the club.

“It’s one of the better clubs I’ve played at, with great people,” he said.

“On-field wasn’t as good as we would have hoped, (but) I loved my time in Wang to be honest.”

Westhoff’s departure is a blow for the Pies, who have also lost Joel Harris, Robbie Hicks and Justin Hoggan.

Magpies coach Brendan Cairns has added Michael Newton, Matt Grossman, Ben Douthie and Glenn Wyatt, as well as re-signed star midfielder Jamie Allan.

Westhoff hopes the Magpies can sneak into the finals in 2016, but they have a tough start to the season.

The Pies host the Wodonga Raiders on Good Friday and then travel to Albury in round two and Yarrawonga in round three.

They then host Lavington in round four.

“They are training pretty hard and Cairnsy is pretty determined to get things going again,” Westhoff said.

“Hopefully they can have an impact next year.”