TRENT Castles says a fierce desire to play at the higher level and an opportunity of a fresh start are the major reasons behind him seeking a release from his contract.
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Castles is keen to reignite his Ovens and Murray career with Corowa-Rutherglen next season despite having a year to run on a two year deal with Yackandandah.
The 31-year-old enjoyed his best return in front of goal this season after booting a career high of 115.
Despite the career best performance, Castles said he had struggled with his passion for the game at various stages throughout the season.
"I'm 31, so it's now or never if I want to have another crack at the O&M," Castles said.
"I fell out of love with football this year so I think I just need a change of scenery to reignite my passion.
"Without going into detail my personal circumstances changed, so I just want a fresh start really.
"Yack have always been good to me and I want to finish my career there.
"But I want to play O&M for a season or two then head back to Yack - that's the plan."
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Castles has been a prolific goal-kicker in the bush, notching the ton of four occasions and feels he can still prove damaging at the higher level.
He said the opportunity to form part of a two-pronged attack at the John Foord Oval alongside Damian Cupido was enticing.
"I definitely feel I can have an impact - especially with Cupido there as well," he said.
"I'm going there to kick 60 plus and feel that is a realistic goal.
"Cupido will play deep and I will be further up the ground.
"But I still reckon I will kick 60 plus easy but it will be interesting having two big roosters in the same pen."
Castles said he has already had several conversations with Cupido over the phone with the pair excited about joining forces.
"I've spoke to Cupido a lot over the last couple of weeks and he is excited that I'm heading to Corowa," Castles said.
"Cupido just wants a bit of success and see Corowa improve and hopefully we can help drag them up the ladder.
"Cupido and I are so different in our game styles which I think has the potential to work really well.
"He probably knows he won't get the best defender every week now.
"I've always been the focus of opposition defences at Yackandandah and Jindera but with Cupido in the side I should be able to get off the leash a bit.
"It will certainly take a lot of pressure off my shoulders.
"There has been a lot of pressure on me at Yackandandah in that if I don't kick a bag, we don't win."
Coach Marc Almond has had a promising start in the recruiting stakes after also signing Damien Wilson and his younger brother Cameron.
Castles said the Roos looked well poised to climb the ladder after finishing second-last this season.
"I've watched a few of Corowa's clips on the O&M website and they move the ball really well," he said.
"They just lack a target to kick it to."
Castles is confident he will get cleared to the Roos.
"I signed a two-year deal last year but obviously circumstances change," he said.
"I think I have got a good enough relationship with Yackandandah that they will respect that.
