The popular Bulldog has only played a handful of matches since 2019 after a wretched run with injuries.

A quad injury derailed his 2019 season before COVID struck the following season.

Turner then seriously injured his knee over the pre-season this year and isn't expected to return to mid-season next year.

The 27-year-old is relocating to Townsville with his wife and has signed as assistant coach for Hermit Park in the local competition.

Turner made his senior debut for the Bulldogs in 2011 and has remained loyal through one of the toughest periods of the club's proud history.

He said it was a tough decision to leave with the Bulldogs on the verge of returning as a finals force.

"My wife received an employment opportunity which was hard to knock back, so we are relocating to Townsville in January," Turner said.

"I'm not complaining about a chance to live near the beach after two years in lockdown.

"Footy-wise though it was a tough decision.

"The main reason we have remained here was because of football.

"I didn't want to leave a couple of years ago while the club was struggling.

"But now that the club is back and a lot more competitive, it feels like as good a time as any to make the move."

Despite recovering from a knee reconstruction, Turner remained heavily involved with the Bulldogs this season.

He spent a lot of his time in the coaches box as well as doing plenty of work as a volunteer.

His loyalty and hard work didn't go unnoticed with Turner recently being awarded club person of the year.

"It was an honour to receive the award," he said.

"Not playing, it was a bit of an eye opener how much work volunteers do.

"It was also good to spend some time in the coaches box and learn quite a bit.

"I just appreciate the club allowing me to stay involved."

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Turner has never played in a final during his time at Wodonga.

But he expects the Bulldogs to break the drought.

"The arrival of Jordan Taylor as coach has sparked a huge turnaround," Turner said.

"I think it's fair to say the club should be expected to play finals with the list they have got now."

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