The former Demons captain played his 100th senior game for the club this season and admitted it wasn't easy to walk away.

But the challenge of tackling the Tallangatta & District League as part of an ambitious Bombers side in 2022 was one which interested Jones straight away.

"It was a massive decision because I've been at Lockhart for eight years," he said.

"Dederang contacted me towards the end of the year, I had a chat to them and everything they said sounded good.

"I've got three or four blokes out there already that I'm mates with and that's a big factor, especially going to a different club when there's 40 or 50 different footballers that you might not know.

"It certainly makes it a bit easier and things just fell into place.

"Everything they said sounded really positive. They've got a good, young group coming up and hopefully they can add a few more as well.

"I think they'll be a red-hot chance.

"I don't really know what to expect going into a different comp with a whole different group of boys but it's exciting. I'm really keen to get into it."

It's another important piece in the puzzle for Bombers coach Damien Jones.

"Blake's a good one for us to get," he said.

"With our young group, it's about getting more leadership around us and Blake fits that bill immensely.

"He's tough and he'll look after our young players.

"He goes in and gets the job done, majority around the back line but we're going to look to put him through the midfield for his experience and leadership.

"He'll run both ways and he uses the ball really well.

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"To get someone like Blake, who's played 100 games at Lockhart, on board at Dederang shows we're moving in the right direction.

"We're a club players are wanting to come to now.

"We've got Joel Heiner on board and the majority of our list have signed so it shows me and it shows the club we actually are heading in the right direction.

"To pick up someone of Blake's calibre this early on is huge as we look to improve our position next year."

Blake Jones insisted Lockhart would always have a special place in his heart.

"I went there when I was 18 and pretty much went straight into seniors," he said.

"I've got great memories of my time at Lockhart.

"It's a ripping community and I'm grateful to have been a part of it.

"It's definitely sad to leave but I think it's time for a change."

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