In the past two years, the 200cm ruckman has combined playing with Collingwood’s VFL outfit and the Pigeons.

But after 38 games at State level, he’s stepping down.

“Once I decided I was stepping away from Collingwood, then it made me think, ‘can I do this every week’ (travel to Yarrawonga),” he said.

“To be honest I was probably naive to the extent how much that drive effects you.

“To do it week in, week out, without having a training base I’ve always had at Collingwood, would make it very hard.

“It’s a very hard decision, obviously Yarrawonga’s my home and always will be.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for the O and M, particularly ‘Yarra’ and all the people there.”

The 25-year-old has just finished his law degree and given the prospect of long work hours, a three-hour car trip was not feasible.

Blackburn plays in the Eastern League’s top division.

“I’ve only played 14 games in the last two years at Collingwood, so it’s not a return in the investment with all the time you put into it,” he said.

Howe proved himself the O and M’s best ruckman in his stint.

He dominated a number of games and although he played only 14 of the club’s 20 games last season, the 100kg powerhouse will be sorely missed.