BILLABONG Crows' finals aspirations have suffered a massive blow with speedster Bronson Schofield departing.
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Schofield has lodged a clearance to play in the AFL Queensland competition.
Bronson joined the Crows this year from Yarrawonga and proved to be one of the recruits of the season.
The hard-running midfielder won the Crows best and fairest and was instrumental in the merged identity making its first finals appearance since joining the Hume league.
In a further blow, ruckman Harry Stonnill is unlikely to remain at the Crows next year.
Jerilderie is believed to be the frontrunner for his services.
Newly-appointed Crows coach Jason Kerr conceded the pair would be hard to replace.
"I think Bronson has already moved to Queensland and we wish him all the best in his new endeavours," Kerr said.
"To be honest, I haven't seen him play.
"But I know he was held in high regard at the club and obviously won the best and fairest.
"Work comes first and everyone at the club understands his decision.
"Harry is weighing up his options but I don't think there has been a clearance lodged yet."
Kerr said the Crows remained on the lookout for further recruits.
"The positive is we are going to retain the majority of our list," he said.
"We will look to add to our list if we can.
"I took my first training session last Friday and the numbers were encouraging.
"Al Austin did a good job coaching the last two years and hopefully I build on all his hard work.
"Al is one of the best players going around in the competition and I would be surprised if he couldn't take it to another level without the burden of coaching."
SWAN RETURN
Chiltern has lured Brad Hibberson back to the club.
Hibberson has spent the past three seasons at Albury Sportsground but played limited matches due to work commitments.
He last played for the Swans in 2016.
Hibberson also spent time with Wodonga Raiders.
DEMON DELIGHT
Lockhart has landed tough Coleambally onballer Graham O'Connell.
O'Connell has moved from the Farrer to Hume league with newly-appointed coach Mitch Carroll and is set to make a big impression in the centre square.
He played in a Jerilderie premiership earlier in his career.
"He's an inside mid who will be a good player," Lockhart football manager Ian Pertzel said.
"We're speaking to a prospective assistant-coach as well so hopefully that can be sorted out soon."
Lockhart has kept its losses to a minimum with Pertzel giving retired ruckman Neil Irwin "some chance" of playing part of the season.
Star duo Andrew Emery and Jordan Harrington have committed for another season.
MACKIE MOVE
Reigning premier Osborne has kicked off training under new coach Joel Mackie.
The Tigers are shaping as the team to defeat with Mackie and Azzi medallist Jamie Parr strengthening last season's list.
Parr will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a knee reconstruction.
Hayden Gleeson has indicated he may retire, but don't rule out him playing on.