Classy forward Ethan Boxall has signed with NEAFL outfit, Canberra Demons.
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The 22-year-old has spent the past five seasons with Wodonga Raiders, but admits he had a 'lightbulb' moment this year.
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"It was about getting my mind right and a better fitness, I thought that would help me a fair bit," he said.
"That's probably one thing (that has held me back) I'd say.
"It's gotten better, like at the start I'd be inconsistent and probably this year was a bit of an eye-opener. I missed the first part of the season after an arthroscope on my knee, but once I came back it was my most consistent year."
Boxall has taken a number of contenders for mark of the year during his 80 senior games with Raiders, although he's only 180cms and 74kgs.
But it was a match-winning four-goal haul against Wangaratta Rovers in round 14, which virtually sealed the club's charge to the top five, which showcased his development.
"I just want to get a bit more experience at high level footy and see where it takes me," he said.
Boxall kicked a career-high eight goals against North Albury in a final round thrashing.
The Demons say the spring-heeled Boxall will enjoy the high standard.
"Having a State league competition, it's no different to the VFL with the professionalism as we play against AFL clubs as well," coach Kade Klemke said.
"It doesn't have the history of the VFL, but the competition's getting stronger."
And Boxall isn't the only Border player on the wish list.
"We are talking to a fair few Ovens and Murray players," Klemke said.
Ex-Lavington star Jono Spina was superb this year.