Horbury has told the Roosters he wishes to return to his home club of Redan, but North is refusing to let him go as he signed a contract late last year.

The classy left-footer trained with the Roosters during the pre-season late last year, but also completed all training sessions with Redan.

North Ballarat chief executive officer Mark Patterson said he expected Horbury to fulfil the contract and be part of pre-season training next week.

However, Redan football manager Damian Linton said he remained hopeful the two-time Ballarat Football League premiership player would get the green light to play where he wanted to play; with his home club.

He said Horbury approached Redan with the intention of returning home and the Lions did not initially pursue him.

Patterson said the club had allowed players to break contracts in the past, but only when extenuating circumstances arose.

“Nathan has signed a contract to play with us for next season and we expect him to be at training on Monday,” Patterson said.

“We believe it’s in his best interest to play at a high level and it’s important when young men sign a contract that they honour the contract.”

The 23-year-old player crossed to Redan from Mount Clear after graduating from junior football and his older brother, Damien, is still playing in the maroon and gold.

Horbury has spent the past two years with the Roosters, playing 35 games in two season.

He and Eric Wallace were the only two to play every game for the 2014 season.

He has played just one match for Redan in those two years – an away game at Sunbury when North had the bye early last season.

Linton said Redan would meet with North Ballarat Roosters to try to find a resolution before the season started.

patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au