Docherty works at the Melbourne Football Club and this season he will be based predominantly at Casey Fields, making the trip to Darley a lengthy one and therefore leading to his departure.

Docherty will return to home club Mt Eliza.

Darley Football Manager Craig Baker said there were no hard feelings and the club totally understood Docherty’s decision.

“He just couldn’t commit to making the travel, so there was no worries about him going home,” Football Manager Craig Baker said.

Docherty only played the one season at the Lions, coming across with Jay Pearson.

Taking up the centre-half forward position, Docherty eventually moved to a key post in the back line.

While the move will be a blow to last year’s Ballarat Football League grand finalists, Baker said the return of 2015 premiership player Jake Edwards would help fill a key defensive post.

While fellow premiership ruckman Dylan Reid has rejoined the club after a stint in the Essendon District Football League

While midfielder Steve Kennedy comes across from Altona, fresh off a league best and fairest medal.

“We weren’t trying to go out and get a lot, but the three we’ve got are quality.”