Due to popular demand, Sherrin will supply footballs for the Ovens and Murray league for the first time in a decade.

League general manager Tom O’Connor, who announced this week he was stepping down when his contract expires in March, revealed yesterday the iconic brand would replace Burley Sekem as the O and M’s ball supplier for the next three seasons.

“The partnership that Sherrin has been able to put on the table is very attractive for the league and clubs,” O’Connor said.

“We’ve done a lot of consultation with our clubs.

“The preferred ball they’d like kicked around is the Sherrin football.

“From a partnership point of view it’s a better agreement (than the one with Burley Sekem).”

One player who will be happy is Yarrawonga superstar Brendan Fevola, a vocal critic of the Burley footballs.

“Out with the Burleys and bring in the Sherrins,” Fevola tweeted last month.

“Will make our league number one in the state.”

The O and M has spent the past decade with Burley Sekem, which is also affiliated with the WAFL and SANFL, but decided not to renew its contract.

“Both organisations have benefited from that relationship but I think the time is right for a change,” O’Connor said.

“We’ve spoken extensively with leaders from our clubs, from on and off the field.”

Sherrin’s national sales manager Rod Lawson said the company had tendered unsuccessfully for the O and M’s business for several years.

“No doubt with the year they’ve had with Brendan Fevola and Barry Hall playing, they’ve certainly had a lot of publicity,” Lawson said.

“To have them using Sherrin footballs again is fantastic for us.”

While he wouldn’t reveal details, O’Connor said there was a sponsorship component to the deal.

“It’s a credit to Sherrin, they’ve come to the table,” he said.

The Hume, Tallangatta, Ovens and King, Murray and Goulburn Valley leagues use Sherrins.