Albury star Elliott Powell lodges clearance to leave Tigers
TRIPLE Albury premiership player Elliott Powell has applied for a clearance to return to home club Dederang-Mt Beauty.
Powell, who was one of the Tigers' players to be sanctioned for anti-social behaviour at the Colac Colac Caravan Park last month, wants to play under close friend Damien Jones.
It remains unclear if Albury will release Powell from his contract.
"From a personal point of view, I just want to see him happy as a person," Jones said.
"That's the most important thing.
"It's his home club and most of his mates are at Dederang.
"Elliott hasn't got anything against Albury, he just wants to enjoy his footy again."
Elliott hasn't got anything against Albury, he just wants to enjoy his footy again
Dederang-Mt Beauty coach Damien Jones
Powell joined Albury from the Tallangatta and District league in 2015 and became an instant success, starring in the Tigers' 2015, 2016 and 2018 premierships.
Asked if he expects Albury to clear the star midfielder, Jones was non-committal.
"It was a tough decision for him (to apply for a clearance)," he said
"He's been up front with them and I hope for Elliott's sake they clear him.
"He's a three-time Albury premiership player, a two-time Vic Country rep and came runner-up in the Morris medal so he's played some good football there.
"I'd like to see he go back at some stage."
It remains unclear how many Albury players were involved in last month's anti-social behaviour which led to the entire playing group being evicted from the park.
In a statement from the board, the Tigers said the playing group would be required to complete 400 hours community service, along with "compulsory participation in alcohol and leadership programs".
"There have also been further sanctions imposed on individual players which will remain internal."
Albury players have since returned to the Corryong region on three occasions to assist with the damage caused by the bushfires.