A LUCRATIVE deal has lured one of the Central Highlands Football League’s greatest goal-kickers to take his game to new territory in 2014.
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Long-time Hepburn full forward Lee Cox has signed with Central Murray club Tooleybuc-Manangatang, where he will play next season.
Cox departs after seven years and three premierships with the Burras, where he booted nearly 900 goals.
The Courier understands the deal is an enticing one, but also a lifestyle change for Cox, who is expected to move to the region.
After arriving at Hepburn from Darley in 2007, Cox became a focal point during a period of dominance for the club, establishing himself as one of the most feared opponents in the league.
The multiple century goal-kicker and league team of the year member leaves the Burras on a high, having played a major hand in the grand final win over Buninyong in September.
Hepburn president Jason Dooley said Cox would be missed both on and off the field.
“Lee has been a great servant to the club and we wish him all the best. He leaves with our blessing and we just hope he enjoys his footy,” Dooley said. “He is much loved around the club by the junior players that look up to him and he is a really personable guy.
“All the supporters and everybody loves him.”
Tooleybuc-Manangatang coach Daryl Powell told The Courier Cox had been on the club’s radar for a while.
“It’s fairly obvious the guy can play and also kicks a lot of goals and he (Cox) just fits in to what the footy club needed,” Powell said.
“It was highlighted that we needed four or five players and a major forward was one of those.
“He fell into that category.”
Tooleybuc-Manangatang won just five games to finish seventh last season and will open its new campaign in April next year.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au