NICO Sedgwick will return to Lavington next season after six years with Hume league club Brock-Burrum.
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Sedgwick spoke to several clubs including Wodonga Raiders, Albury and Corowa-Rutherglen before opting to rejoin the Panthers.
The midfielder shapes as a vital inclusion as coach Simon Curtis attempts to cover the likely departure of Did Simpson medallist Shaun Mannagh to the VFL.
Sedgwick, a former Ovens and Murray Rising Star winner, previously played 21 senior matches for Lavington but was denied a clear run due to shoulder injuries.
"I actually only met with Lavi once and as soon as I walked into the club it just felt normal," Sedgwick said.
"Obviously I played there and know some of the people like 'Timba' (Tim Sanson) who started having a joke and stirring me up as soon as I saw him.
"I've been umming and ahhing for a few weeks about it and I'm glad I've made a decision now.
"I'm keen to have another crack at the Ovens and Murray even though I absolutely loved my time at Brock-Burrum and will definitely be going back there again one day."
Despite being tagged heavily by opposition clubs, Sedgwick has been one of the Hume league's premier players and should slot comfortably into the Panthers star-studded midfield alongside Curtis, Tom Hargreave, Marty Brennan and Luke Garland.
Sedgwick trained with Lavington on Thursday night and plans to continue playing with Wanderers in the Northern Territory over the off-season.
"I've had a couple of games up there and have loved it," he said.
Sedgwick is Lavington's second off-season signing after the Panthers swooped on Collingullie-Glenfield Park captain Nick Perryman.
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Brock-Burrum president Steve Koschitzke said Sedgwick could hardly have achieved any more during his time in the Hume league.
"We're disappointed to lose him because he's won two best and fairests, three premierships and an Azzi medal for Brock-Burrum in six seasons," Koschitzke said.
"He's been terrific.
"We wish him all the best and hopefully he comes back one day."
Sedgwick joins a growing list of Hume league players to sign with Ovens and Murray clubs with Culcairn's Jye Shields, Tim Hallinan, Tim Haines and Joel Merkel committing to Wodonga Raiders.
Howlong's Steve Jolliffe and Brett Lefoe have returned to the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Albury's Ben McIntosh has applied for a clearance to Wangaratta Rovers.