Lachie Dale says the opportunity to test himself at a higher level and a change in lifestyle were the two major reasons behind signing with North Hobart next season.
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Dale and team-mate Luke Quirk signed with the Tasmanian State League club over the weekend.
"I've decided to have a season with North Hobart, mainly due to lifestyle reasons," Dale said.
"Just a bit of a sea change and get out of Myrtleford for a while and experience something different.
"I'm also keen to play at a higher level while I'm still relatively young.
"I've done a bit of homework on the competition and the Tasmanian State League is probably not as strong as some of the other state level football.
"But it's a really good opportunity and I can't wait to relocate over there when COVID restrictions ease."
ALSO IN SPORT
North Hobart was able to lure Dale and Quirk to the club through committee member Will Perry who grew up in Myrtleford and was close friends with Lachie and older brother Frazer.
Dale enjoyed a breakout season at McNamara Reserve in 2019 winning the Saints' best and fairest.
He joined his brother on the honour roll after Frazer won the Saints' highest individual award in 2017.
The 23-year-old also won the Doug Strang medal after booting 59 goals and stamped himself as the most dangerous small forward in the competition.
Dale enjoyed another solid season this year with 30 goals from 13 matches to finish fourth on the goal kicking table.
"Looking back, 2019 was probably a bit of a breakout season for me and I gained a fair amount of confidence out of it," he said.
"I was raring to go for a big season the following year but we didn't get to play unfortunately.
"Personally I was fairly happy with my form this season and developed and improved my game under co-coaches Jake Sharp and Dawson Simpson who are fantastic to learn off."
The Saints were sitting fourth with an 8-5 record and trailing third-placed Wangaratta Rovers on percentage when the season was called to a premature halt.
Dale said it was a tough decision to leave McNamara Reserve with the Saints firmly in the premiership window.
"Like I said before, my decision is based more on a lifestyle change than football," he said.
"I'm not far off turning 24 and eager and keen to get out and explore life.
"Myrtleford are close to adding a couple of more recruits and look set for another big season next year.
"I'll be keeping a close eye on how they progress."
Dale made his senior debut for the Saints in 2014 while still eligible for thirds.
He notched his 100th senior match late during this season.
Dale's father, Andrew, also coached coached New Norfolk in Tasmania in 1998-99 after a three-year stint at the helm of Myrtleford during the mid 1990s.
He also worked in football administration during his time in Tasmania.
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