The midfielder has just moved to Geelong and will join great mates Jye Lane and Will Robinson at Newtown and Chilwell in the Geelong Football League.

"I went overseas with them to South America for six weeks at the end of the footy season last year, they're two of my best mates," Spencer said.

The 20-year-old has strong family connections to Corowa-Rutherglen with his father Darrell inducted into the O and M Hall of Fame in 2018.

And that's one of the reasons why Spencer says it was such a difficult decision to leave, stressing it was purely a lifestyle reason.

"It was really hard, especially with how the club's been in recent years, it was hard to leave the club and (coach) Marc Almond, I get along really well with Marc, he's a great coach, that was probably the hardest part, but I just wanted to try something different," he said.

Spencer debuted in 2016, but has played only 29 games in four seasons, due to injury.

He's damaged tendons in his ankle, had a knee arthroscope, broken a thumb and missed most of last year with osteitis pubis.

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The hard-working on-baller played just six games in 2019, but featured in the best in the first five and was the leading contender for the Roos' best and fairest.

"Hopefully I can start stringing a few games together and play consistent footy," he said.

Spencer's departure robs the club of some pace through the midfield, but while it's taken some shine from the off-season, the club looks stronger with the inclusion of boom forwards Damian Cupido and Trent Castles, plus Rutherglen brothers Damien and Cam Wilson.

However, a query remains over Castles' future as Yackandandah has twice rejected his clearance to the higher league.

Castles had signed a contract with the Tallangatta and District club.