The prolific goalkicker signed with Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes over the weekend.

He played four matches with the Goannas this season in the AFL Riverina Championship where he got to know his new teammates.

Castles revealed he has a rare arrangement with his new club that allows him to miss the furthest away matches against Leeton-Whitton and Griffith so he can spend more time with his young family.

The 32-year-old is the father and stepfather of four children including two of his own.

"I've decided to put my family before football for once," Castles said.

"So I haven't committed to playing a full season and the club was good enough to agree and provide me with some flexibility in regards to the kids.

"If I stayed with Corowa I would have had to commit to playing 18 matches.

"Having most of this season off made me realise that spending time with the kids is more important to me than football.

"When I was in my 20s I always put football first but with four kids your priorities change.

"So this arrangement provides me with a lot more flexibility than most clubs would be prepared to offer."

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Castles said he was a huge fan of MCUE coach Jeremy Rowe.

"I only played a few matches this season but the club made my family and myself feel so welcome," he said.

"Jeremy is a terrific coach and has the respect of the playing group.

"Don't get me wrong, he is very serious about his football but understands players have a life outside of football as well.

"The list boasts a lot of potential and there is plenty of talent at the club.

"If we can add one or two big bodied midfielders we will be a dangerous proposition for any side.

"I wouldn't have went there if I didn't think we had the ability to be a genuine flag contender."

Castles signed with Corowa-Rutherglen this season after a clearance wrangle with former club Yackandandah.

He said he had informed Roos' head of football Craig Spencer of his decision to join MCUE.

"I spoke to Craig and I told him I couldn't commit to a full season next year," he said.

"Craig understood that.

"I still wanted to play there but things happen and circumstances change."

Castles also revealed he took a substantial pay cut to play with MCUE.

"I'm playing for a lot less than I normally would because of the flexibility they have given me."