STAR Albury full-forward Josh Mellington has signed with Western Region Football League club Caroline Springs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When I have needed support off the field I couldn’t have been in a better environment
- Josh Mellington
After kicking 212 goals in 34 matches with the Tigers, Mellington will move to Melbourne to be closer to his brother and Coburg player, Nick.
The 24-year-old said he planned to return to the Ovens and Murray.
“My brother and good mates are in Melbourne and I spoke to Shaun (Daly) before finals about the possibility of heading down that way,” Mellington said.
“A good opportunity came along through a mutual friend and I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ve loved it at Albury though and can’t speak highly enough of the footy club.
“Externally they cop a lot of flak purely due to their success but everyone internally knows what a great club it is.
“When I have needed support off the field I couldn’t have been in a better environment with the genuine care they provided.
“I have no doubt I’ll be back in the future.”
Originally from the Goulburn Valley league, Mellington joined Albury through his ties with former Benalla teammate and Tiger coach Daniel Maher.
He kicked 113 goals in 2015 and 99 this year after missing the opening six matches of the home and away series due to suspension.
“The club supported me and I thought I did OK for the club too,” Mellington said.
“It’s a pity we couldn’t get there in the grand final but that just makes the fire burn in the belly.”
Caroline Springs is coached by former Collingwood player Brodie Holland.
Albury coach Shaun Daly said Mellington had been a sensation in his two years at the sportsground.
“One-out, I don’t think I’ve seen too many better,” he said.