Burgess had been in regular contact with coach Jake Sharp throughout last season and was an interested onlooker during the Alpine Saints' finals campaign.

The former Myrtleford best and fairest winner's personal circumstances recently changed when his partner was offered employment in Queensland.

"We went up to Queensland two months ago for a look and it took us a month to make a decision," Burgess said.

"It's a really good opportunity for my partner.

"It would have been good to play for Myrtleford next season but once we weighed it all up we decided on Queensland.

"I was always chatting to Jake during the season and once we'd made a decision we let him know straight away."

Burgess started this year with Eastern Football League club Vermont but suffered an ACL injury in the side's opening match of the season.

He is yet to select a Queensland club.

Burgess believes Myrtleford is on track for a strong 2020 campaign after making this year's preliminary final and signing GWS ruckman Dawson Simpson.

"Jake's done a great job," he said.

"I watched a few games this year and they are doing really well."

Myrtleford lost to eventual premier Lavington in this year's preliminary final at John Flower Oval while its under 18s completed a fairytale season by upsetting Wangaratta in the grand final under coach Tristan Purss.