Ovens and Murray league general manager Sean Barrett says he is proud to be stepping down from his position with the competition the most even in recent memory.
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Barrett informed league officials last Friday that he had accepted the position as Wangaratta Turf Club's chief executive officer after four-and-a-half years at the helm.
He said the player points system and salary cap had had the desired effect with the fast approaching season set to be the most intriguing in more than a decade.
"I think it is fair to say that this season is perceived to be the most open the competition has been in a long time," Barrett said.
"I love the fact that in 2019 Lavington won the competition.
"When I did my ladder at the start of the year, I had Lavington finishing sixth.
"The way this season is shaping there are up to seven clubs that could win the flag without surprising.
"It's going to be a great competition and let's hope it is as tight as what most people expect.
"I think the equalisation platforms have had a positive impact on not just the O&M but all the competitions throughout the region."
Barrett said the clubs had also benefited enormously from the appointment of TD Solutions who educate and help clubs plan for a sustainable future.
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"I have no doubt the work we have done with club development through the Terry Dillon review and the investment the league made in helping clubs off the field has had a really positive impact," he said.
"There is a lot more professionalism now in how the clubs are run.
"I think as a league, that is the area where we can have the biggest impact by providing those resources for our clubs and help keep them strong off the field which will have a flow on effect to their on field success."
The league is expected to start the hunt for Barrett's replacement immediately with the season set to commence on March 27.
Barrett said he was fortunate to have the support of a hard-working board during his tenure as league boss.
"I feel the league is in great shape and whoever takes over the job will have the support of a great board who are passionate about growing the competition," he said.
"It truly is a great competition which is well placed to only get bigger and better in the future."
