FORMER AFL footballer Zac O’Brien could make a shock return to the Ovens and Murray league next year.
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The Wangaratta-raised former Brisbane midfielder is contemplating a move to the VFL and could nominate an O and M team as his home club.
That would most likely be O’Brien’s former team Yarrawonga, although he started his career at the Rovers.
O’Brien was delisted by the Brisbane Lions in October, after 13 games over two seasons with the AFL outfit.
He was then overlooked in the pre-season and rookie drafts.
The 25-year-old said he remained undecided on his next move.
“At this stage I’m still weighing up my options,” O’Brien said.
“If I do play VFL, I would consider an O and M club as my feeder club.
“I’m going to play state league somewhere.
“I don’t think I’ll go over to Perth.
“I’m trying to match a job up with footy, one that fits in with training and time restraints.”
A qualified chiropractor, O’Brien played eight games with the Lions in 2015 and also polled the most ever votes for a reserves player to win the Lions’ second grade best-and-fairest award.
While he had a heated exchange with senior coach Justin Leppitsch during the year, O’Brien has fond memories of his time at Brisbane.
“It was two good years,” O’Brien said.
“I have lifelong friends and had experiences I will never forget.
“I feel if I got a bit more opportunity I would have been able to cement my spot in the side.
“But that’s just the way it is, it’s a ruthless industry.”
Super-fit O’Brien, who was home in the North East for Christmas with his family, has been living in Mooloolaba and doing his own training in preparation for 2016.
And after being recruited to the AFL as a mature-age player, O’Brien still has hope he can do it again.
“If you have one good year in state league anything can happen,” he said.
“Hopefully I can have a good year and put my hand up again.”
O’Brien’s had several state league offers, with VFL teams Essendon and Box Hill showing interest.
O’Brien was recruited from Essendon's VFL side at the end of 2013, only two years after departing Yarrawonga.
He was snapped up by the Lions with pick No. 23 after impressing in his 12 senior VFL appearances for Essendon, who picked him up from Aberfeldie.
