LAVINGTON champion Matt Pendergast will fulfil a career ambition by playing with Craig Ednie at Rennie next year.
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Pendergast recently graduated as a fireman at Wangaratta and expects to play “six to eight games” for the Picola and District south-east league battler.
“It’s something new and exciting,” Pendergast said.
“Obviously it’s tough leaving Lavi but it’s more about my career these days and I couldn’t commit to the Ovens and Murray any more.
“Craig and I had our run-ins on the ground but we’ve always caught up in the off season and our parents are good friends.
“It’s something we always planned to do.
“When you go through footy as kids together you always hope it works out but sometimes the planets just don’t align.
“I’m glad they did this time.”
Pendergast and Ednie have been mates since playing together for the Murray Bushrangers in 2000.
Ednie retired from Yarrawonga at the end of last season to take over as coach of Rennie after playing over 200 matches and winning five best and fairests at J.C. Lowe Oval.
Pendergast called time midway through last season when he was accepted into the CFA and required to do an 18-week training course at Craigieburn.
He also won five best and fairests at the Panthers as coaching the Ovens and Murray.
Although Rennie hasn’t won a match since early 2015, the Hoppers have been relentless on the recruiting trail with a strong Yarrawonga and Mulwala contingent signing.
Luke Ednie, Nic O’Bryan, Steve McKee, John McHenry and Chase Strawhorn are among a long list of experienced recruits.
“There is a bit of work to do because Rennie hasn’t won a game for a long time,” Pendergast said.
“Craig has recruited well though and I think we should go alright.
“It’s going to be different but I’ll play six to eight games and hopefully finals.”
Lavington has lost about 900 matches of experience over the off-season with Pendergast, Kade Stevens and Justin Koschitzke joining district league clubs.
Stevens and Koschitzke will play for Hume league powerhouse Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock as the Saints chase a third successive premiership.