The Myrtleford junior had a breakout season in 2017 with Border NPL club Murray United, where he was crowned under-20s best and fairest.

He went back to AWFA the next year and started the season at Wangaratta, before he returned to the Savoys to play with his mates.

But disaster struck in just his third game back at Myrtleford when he ruptured his ACL against Wodonga Diamonds.

He got back for the latter part of the 2019 season and played in the cup final loss to Wangaratta, while 2020 was a write-off due to COVID-19.

Pawlik was keen for a change of scenery this year and reunited with former Myrtleford coach Matt Park at Sunshine Coast club Woombye.

But he could only manage two games before he was ruled out for three months with bone bruising.

"It's been shocking, but hopefully it's all in the past," Pawlik said.

"At the time (2018), I was pretty keen to do a year at Wang or Myrt and maybe try again in the state league somewhere in Melbourne.

"There wasn't a clear-cut reason I went to Wang. I knew Angus Kelly and Ben Russell at the time and they played at Murray, so I thought it might have been an easy transition.

"Connor Caponecchia ended up moving back to Myrtleford that year and I knew a bunch of boys there. It was where my mates were, so I made the move.

"But once the knee went, everything kind of went downhill from there."

Pawlik moved back to the Border and made an appearance off the bench against Wangaratta a fortnight ago, before making his first senior start for the Savoys in two years in the 2-1 win against Albury City last weekend.

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"I was happy just to get the minutes under my belt. It was a good feeling playing again, it's been a while," he said.

"On the weekend I got back in the middle.

"Against Wang, I got thrown into centre back, but I'm happy to play wherever Rob (Caponecchia) and Luc (Doherty) need me."

He isn't too sure what the future may hold, but if he's to stay in the region, he won't be playing anywhere else.

"I'm pretty happy just playing at Myrtleford now, I'm not too fussed if I don't play at that higher standard again," he said.

"A lot of former juniors have come back and they're all really good players. They're all young and it's pretty exciting for the club.

"Jack Milford, Fletcher Caponecchia and Tom La Spina were the year below me, but I played with Connor Caponecchia and Vinnie Paglia growing up.

"We're pretty keen to make a push and try to make another grand final."

The Savoys host Boomers on Sunday.

Leaders Albury United take on Wodonga Diamonds at La Trobe, St Pats face Wangaratta, Twin City clash with Melrose, while Cobram travel to play Albury Hotspurs.

Women's title favourites Albury United tackle Wangaratta and Albury Hotspurs square off with Boomers.

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