DUAL Azzi medallist Peter Hancock is weighing-up his playing future.
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Hancock said increasing work commitments and the arrival of his first child last year, he was still undecided if he would commit to Howlong for another season.
“Training starts tonight and I’ll head down for a look and catch-up with the boys, but I’m no certainty to play this season,” Hancock said.
“Work is getting busier and I’ve just had my first child and I suppose your priorities change a bit.
“I’ve still got a couple of months until I have to make up my mind and I won’t be rushed into making a final decision.
“I know it’s not ideal but that’s just the way I’m feeling at the moment.”
The loss of Hancock would be a savage blow for Howlong’s top-six aspirations.
The 196-centimetre ruckman has won two Azzi medals and three best and fairests since joining the Spiders in 2013 after 60 senior matches from Lavington.
He notched his 100th match for the Spiders last season.
Hancock started his career with Wodonga and played alongside North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell in the Bulldogs’ 2006 third grade premiership.
The 30-year-old also joked that age was catching up with him.
“I turn 31 this year but I feel more like a 41-year-old sometimes after a game,” he said.
Fellow Spider big man Jay Koehler is also more than likely set to miss this season.
Koelher is expecting his first child later this year and kicked 15 goals from 12 matches last season.
He also runs his own building business.
Forgotten midfielder Matt McDonald has committed to Howlong for another season.
McDonald will be like a recruit after injuring his knee against Billabong Crows in round 2 last year.
The classy onballer tried unsuccessfully to return in round 10 against the Murray Magpies and missed the remainder of the season.
The super-fit McDonald has been training strongly over the pre-season and looks to have fully recovered from his knee complaint.
If Hancock does decide to retire, Wodonga Raiders recruit Aaron Spargo could help fill the void in the ruck for coach Beau Packer.
Spargo played a handful of senior matches for Wodonga Raiders over the past two seasons and is the Spiders’ biggest signing over the summer.
Howlong finished eighth last season with a 7-11 record and play Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Walla in the opening round.
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