The towering ruckman is moving to Melbourne through work commitments and is not expected to play football anywhere next year.

His loss will leave a big hole in the Lakers’ line-up, without an obvious replacement in the ruck division.

Tuminello won consecutive Lake Wendouree best and fairest awards in 2013 and 2014 and was one of the club’s most important players in his four years in the Ballarat Football League.

Lakers coach Gavin Webb admitted Tuminello would be difficult to replace, but said the club had been on the hunt for a replacement for some time.

“He’s going to be a huge loss, he’s been sensational for four years,” Webb said.

“He has a new job at a hospital in Melbourne (as a doctor) so we understand his position.”

It is not all bad news for the Lakers, however, with some key signings already locked away.

Tyler Blake, a Vic Country junior representative and former North Ballarat Rebel, has agreed to terms after this year playing at Dimboola in the Wimmera Football League.

Blake, a talented onballer, attended the 2012 state draft combine and was originally from Horsham Demons.

Joining him at Lake Wendouree will be Boort footballer Tim Rhook.

Webb said the club was still in discussions with a number of other potential recruits and was hoping to put pen to paper with a few more recruits in the coming weeks.