The Hawks cited work commitments as the co-coach's primary reason for the mid-season move, with a clearance lodged for Daniels to join the Lakers on Wednesday night.

Daniels kicked seven goals in the first five games of the season for the Hawks, but speculation began to grow about his playing future at W.J. Findlay Oval after he missed the club's most recent victories against Wodonga Raiders and Myrtleford in the past fortnight.

Rovers' football operations Barry Sullivan said there was no animosity between the club and Daniels.

"We explored it last week because we knew he was finding it hard to balance his new job role, which is very demanding with the travel over for training," Sullivan said.

"He's the sort of guy that likes to do everything right and we understood that.

"We looked at other options, but at the end of the day we left it up to 'Jamo'.

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"He's a ripping fella and he likes the club and we like him, but at the end of the day you get to that stage where your career is more important than footy.

"His partner is playing netball for Nagambie, so he wanted to take the pressure off a little bit and enjoy his footy.

"He's based in Shepparton and was travelling more than 200 kilometres for a round trip to training.

"He has been finishing work a bit later and by the time he got here he was rushed and it was too much of a chore.

"Once it gets to that stage, it's hard to perform at your best as well.

"He mentioned he'd still like to come over and watch us if he's not playing. There was no problem on that front."

Nagambie president Barry Cryer was rapt to get Daniels on board as the club looks to consolidate itself as a premiership contender.

The Lakers sit third on the ladder after six rounds this season, a win behind Lancaster and Avenel.

"It's a bit of a bonus for us," he added.

Daniels coached Goulburn Valley league club Tatura at just 24 years of age and also spent a season with the Gold Coast Suns as the assistant academy coach.

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