The summer's worst kept secret is out - Lavington stalwart Sarah Senini has joined Yarrawonga.
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The 2011 Toni Wilson medallist and premiership player is synonomous with the Panthers, so it's one of the bigger defections in years.
"Pretty difficult after you've been there for 17 years," Senini said when asked how tough the decision was.
Lavington has undergone a change of direction since bowing out in straight sets, albeit dogged by late season injuries to star shooters Senini and Skye Hillier.
Tamara Mathews had spent 19 years at the club, including the last four as coach, but said with a young family the time was right to step back and find a new challenge without that heavy commitment.
Boasting one of the more stable core of top players, the Panthers will require a raft of changes with Rhiannon Dolahenty joining Benalla, while Hillier will miss 12 months with her Achilles injury.
Meanwhile, long-time star Kate Yensch and B graders Hailey Butler and Ebony Kannenberg attended Albury's trials on Tuesday night.
"I'm just loyal to my friends and just looking to enjoy myself and develop that love back for it," Senini said.
Yarrawonga starts training Thursday night and Senini stressed she doesn't expect to be an automatic selection, particularly as she recovers from the broken leg in August.
"I haven't done a great deal (of fitness) apart from rehabilitation and gym work," she said.
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"I just hopefully get to play for one of the teams, whether that be B, C or A grade, it doesn't really worry me to be honest."
The 34-year-old has just moved to Yarrawonga and new Pigeons' coach Tracy Gillies can't believe her luck.
"We're just thrilled to have Sarah here from a culture and experience point of view, I think she'll fit in beautifully, she's a very positive person," she said.
Gillies will be guided by Senini's recovery.
"I would love to see her in that goal ring with Elle Brooks and factoring in Indiana Frauenfelder into that and then we've got (former coach) Bridget (Cassar) potentially there, it makes a formidable goal ring," she said.