WODONGA Raiders are set to clear star midfielder Brodie Filo to Eaglehawk in the next 24 hours.
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Filo will meet with club officials on Friday with president Mark Johnston optimistic a deal can be done to release him from his contract before Sunday's clearance deadline.
Filo played in Eaglehawk's 2008 premiership and has agreed to terms for the rest of the 2019 season and 2020.
"We will be sitting down face-to-face with Brodie on Friday and hopefully we can work something out so he can play for Eaglehawk," Johnston said.
"We don't want to punish Brodie.
"I think we can get something organised.
"I'm disappointed with how it's turned out, but it's Brodie's decision to leave.
"We didn't sack him.
"I think it's in his best interests to play footy instead of sitting out the season.
"We're trying to be proactive."
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Filo, 28, last played for Eaglehawk in 2015 - the same year he won the Michelsen Medal - and will be a huge boost to the club's chances of winning back-to-back flags.
Eaglehawk defeated ladder leader Strathfieldsaye last weekend.
"Players of Brodie's calibre don't come around too often,'' Eaglehawk coach Travis Matheson said.
"He's as good a player as they come, but most importantly he considers Eaglehawk to be home and he's nearly played 100 games for the club.
"He's well respected by the supporters and the players at the club that have played with him in the past.
"His return will bring a buzz to the club.
"Brodie always had the desire to come back to Eaglehawk.
"I'd been in contact with him informally about his movements ... and the timing has worked out now."
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