The classy defender will miss at least the last four home and away games while travelling overseas after taking leave from his teaching position.

“I had a chat with the club and there was a discussion about coming back for the finals, should we get there, which I was open to and then I’d most likely head back (overseas), like Josh did,” he said.

Wangaratta forward Porter’s effort will live long in club history after he left mid-season for university studies in the US.

He returned for the preliminary final and, after a quiet start, played a key role in the thrilling win over Yarrawonga by kicking two late goals.

Porter then starred in the stunning upset of three-time premiers Albury, before flying back to the US hours after the game.

Grossman joined the Pies in 2012 and, apart from playing with Avondale Heights in 2015, has travelled every year from Melbourne.

“Since I started playing at ‘Wang’ and working full-time, I guess your commitments and loads are fairly heavy and that opportunity (to travel) hasn’t arisen,” he said.

“It was getting to the stage where I needed to make a decision and I’m pretty comfortable and it looks like it should be able to work out well for all parties.”

Grossman, 30, is one of the league’s fittest players, so he’ll lose little in comparison with his opponents.

And the Pies have a dream run home in the final five rounds, playing every team which missed finals.

Meanwhile, Porter will return from overseas next week.

He’s expected to attend the Pies’ training camp three days later and the club remains confident he’ll return for the entire season.

Wangaratta will start its defence with a blockbuster against Wodonga Raiders.