The five-time best and fairest winner has been accepted into the CFA and will start an 18-week training course at Craigieburn next month.

“It’s a bitter-sweet feeling,” Pendergast said.

“I can’t see myself getting back to the Ovens and Murray with the time that’s needed these days and the professionalism of the competition.

“My life has been conditioned by the footy club and I’ve made friends for life, but at the same time I’m excited about what lies ahead.

“I’m ready for the next challenge.”

Although the 33-year-old is unsure where he will be posted next year, the former Ovens and Murray coach hasn’t ruled out playing on a semi-regular basis in a country league.

He played his last match for Lavington against Wangaratta Rovers on May 28 and was close to best afield in the Panthers’ 28-point victory at Lavington Oval.

“I probably first had an interest in it six years ago but the kids were young and I really wanted to keep going with my footy to try and win another flag,” he said.

“I guess it’s been in the back of my mind since then.

“It’s disappointing to be leaving now particularly with the boys going well, but it’s a great opportunity and something that I’m excited about.”

Pendergast will step away with a glittering 290-match career including 235 appearances for Lavington, 40 for Wodonga Raiders and 15 for the Ovens and Murray.

He played his first match for the Raiders as a 15-year-old in 1999 and played in the Panthers’ flag in 2001.

“I thought footy was pretty easy then playing in a flag in my first year at Lavi as an 18-year-old but I haven’t really got close since,” he said.

“A collective group has really helped me with ‘Timber’ (Tim Sanson) being really knowledge about football and life in general and then people like Peter Doherty and James Saker.”

Pendergast made the All-Australian side in 2010 and represented Victoria Country on six occasions and NSW once.