Spina, who has spent the past four seasons with the Panthers, will move to the ACT later this year and is set to play alongside another former Ovens and Murray player in Alex Paech.

He was the Panthers’ best player in their elimination final loss to Yarrawonga this season.

“We spoke to Jono last year and he wanted one more season at Lavington,” Canberra coach Kade Klemke said.

“He played well against us in a practice match and you could tell he was someone who could go to the next level.

“He’s a quality person which is something we love at our footy club as well.

“We’re really happy to have him.”

Spina moved to the Border for university after playing his junior football with Riverina league club Leeton-Whitton.

He was an instant success across half-back for the Panthers and best afield for the Ovens and Murray in their win over Goulburn Valley in 2017.

He went on to represent Victoria Country under Danny Frawley.

“He’s played most of his footy in the backline so that’s where we see him mostly playing but we like developing our players so we might give him a run up forward or on a wing occasionally as well,” Klemke said.”

“I think he has a lot to offer.”

Paech developed into one of the NEAFL’s premier full-backs this season, playing on the opposition’s best forward most weeks as they charged into the preliminary final.

The former Murray Bushranger won the club’s most improved player award.

Former North Albury speedster Ben Fulford kicked 30 goals for Canberra Demons to take out the club’s goalkicking award.

Lavington has been scouring the district leagues since the end of last season in a bid to improve its depth.