Redan star and last season’s Henderson Medal runner-up Tom Lamb has revealed he will join Koondrook Barham in the Central Murray league for next season.

There has been long-running speculation on Lamb’s future with the Lions, but he confirmed to The Courier yesterday that he would be joining the Raiders.

Lamb, a member of Redan’s 2011 premiership team, said after finishing his apprenticeship he was keen to go on a working holiday of sorts.

The Ballarat Football League two-time team of the year member will move to the region in February with a couple of friends.

Redan coach Eamonn Gill said it was unfortunate to lose such an exciting young talent.

“He’s come runner-up in our best and fairest the last two years and that is pretty good for a 21-year-old kid,” Gill said.

“It’s disappointing to lose him, but hopefully he gets out of the move what he wants to get out of it and comes back to Redan whenever he likes.”

Koondrook Barham president Rod Barrington said Lamb was expected to fill a key role in the midfield or down back, with the senior team looking to rise from its ninth-placed finish from last season.

“We hope he will be one of our better recruits. We are not just looking for next year, but looking long term,” Barrington said.

Lamb’s departure is not the only significant loss for Redan, with captain Matt Hyden also ruled out for the 2014 campaign.

Hyden, also a flag winner with the Lions in 2011, will relocate from the region and not be part of the club’s calculations moving forward.

Redan finished second on the ladder last season before bowing out of the premiership race with a preliminary final loss to eventual premier North Ballarat City. The Lions are set to open their new campaign with a rematch of that clash on April 12.

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au