WANGARATTA is sweating on the future of Morris Medallist Jamie Allan.
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Allan, who played his 100th match for the Magpies last season, is presently overseas and yet to commit to another year at Norm Minns Oval.
Coach Brendan Cairns expects the midfielder to make a decision early in the New Year.
“He’s actually overseas at the moment and won’t be back until early January,” Cairns said.
At the moment he’s not sure how that will pan out.
- Brendan Cairns
“He hasn’t left but he has a job which entails some Saturday morning work.
“At the moment he’s not sure how that will pan out and we’ll know more in the next few weeks.
“It could make it hard.”
Allan, who started his career at rival club Wangaratta Rovers, crossed to the Magpies in 2009 and made an instant impact.
He won the Morris medal in 2010 and has taken out two best and fairests and two runner-up awards.
Allan played for Heidelberg in 2013.
The former Leo Dean Medallist’s future is critical to Wangaratta’s chances of pressing into the top five.
While several clubs including Corowa-Rutherglen and North Albury have suffered huge losses over the off-season, the Magpies have kept their list together with Michael Newton and Matt Grossman shaping as vital inclusions.
Ben Douthie has also joined Wangaratta after a strong season with East Brighton.
Newton was chased by Myrtleford, Wangaratta Rovers and Corowa-Rutherglen after signalling his intentions to return from South Australia and work on the family dairy farm at Whorouly.
Wangaratta’s most notable losses are Matt Westhoff (Adelaide), Robbie Hicks (Doutta Stars) and Joel Harris (knee).
“We have lost a few and picked up a few,” Cairns said.
“In terms of recruits, it’s probably evened out.”