Culcairn forward Adam Prior weighs up his next move after a tough couple of years

Prior, 34, played 11 games in a battling Culcairn side this year with injuries and border closures limiting his involvement.

He booted 20 goals but may just watch the Lions as a spectator in 2022.

"I'm not really fussed about football," Prior admitted.

"I had a couple of calls from Tallangatta league clubs but they were only quick phone calls.

"I'm not sure what I'll do. It's hard to say.

"If I run around again, I'll be at Culcairn next year because they've got a new coach (Tim Haines) and I played with him a couple of years ago and get along with him well.

"I'm at the stage now where I won't sign any contracts or anything like that, I'll just turn up after Christmas, start training then and see how the body is.

"It's the first time in my life that I'm not really fussed about football.

"I'm 34 now. Stopping and starting, the year wasn't real enjoyable and it wasn't real good for my body either.

"I couldn't train too much and it was hard to get into it, plus we had a tough sort of year from a team point of view.

"It was hard because we got beaten a fair bit during the year.

"I live in Victoria, so there were some games I couldn't even play.

"I'd play a couple, then I couldn't get to play, train or socialise after the game so it wasn't that enjoyable."

Prior, a four-time Doug Strang medallist during his time in the Ovens and Murray, is keeping his options open at this stage.

"I really enjoyed my first year I went out to Culcairn," he said.

"We were winning games and the country environment suited me down to the ground but the last couple of years, at my age, it's more of a hassle.

"I'll still hang out at Culcairn, whether I play a few games or just have a few beers and watch from the sidelines.

ALSO IN SPORT

"I've played footy since I was a junior, five or six years old and I've never missed a year, apart from COVID, but things change.

"I'm 34 and my partner (Skye Hillier) is 31 weeks pregnant with our first child so I've got other priorities now.

"I'm looking forward to getting out to the footy next year at Cul and being involved, seeing crowds back there and having functions again.

"I haven't done a whole lot since the season finished but I'll try to keep half-fit.

"Don't get me wrong, I'll turn up to training at Culcairn.

"I spoke to the coach and he still thinks there's a role for me but I know my body, so I'll take it easy.

"If it goes back to half-normal where there's crowds and you can have functions again, I still would like to have a kick."

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