Arguably the best player in the Ballarat league over the past two years, Peters is making the move to fulfill an ambition to play in Warracknabeal where he began his football as a junior.

The 27-year-old will continue to live and work in Ballarat, where he is a groundsman with the City of Ballarat.

Peters said while he had signed with the Eagles for the one season, he would almost certainly spend a couple of years in the WFL.

He joined the Lakers last year from North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL under a similar arrangement.

Peter said his initial intention was to play with Lake Wendouree for one year, but after a strong 2016 campaign in which it was the minor premier decided to stay on.

The Lakers suffered the same frustration this year – finishing on top at the end of the home and away season before disappointingly falling short of a grand final appearance.

Peters had an injury and suspension-interrupted first season with Lake Wendouree, but this year finished sixth in the Henderson Medal and won The Courier BFL player of the year award.

He said it was disappointing to be leaving Lakers after coming up short two years on the back of promising seasons.

Peters has played just a handful of senior games with the Warrack Eagles.

He made his debut as a 15-year-old and can also recall making a one-off appearance in 2009 when the Roosters had a bye.

Peters played with North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup and made his VFL debut with the Roosters in 2009.

He was a Roosters premiership player in 2010 and went onto win a best and fairest, and play more than 100 games.