NORTH Ballarat Roosters triple premiership player Steve Clifton is back in black and white for the coming Victorian Football League season.
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Clifton will play with the Roosters after being de-listed by new AFL franchise Greater Western Sydney.
North Ballarat Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said the club had continued to push Clifton’s name to other AFL sides, but was pleased to have him on board for the new season.
“He’s highly respected by the group,” FitzGerald said.
He’s an outstanding fellow and quality player so he’s really good quality on and off the field.”
FitzGerald, heading into his 13th season as Roosters coach, didn’t believe the 25-year-old’s future at AFL level was over.
“If Steve Clifton has a great year in the VFL this year and a club needs a quick, powerful midfielder they will take him,” he said.
Clifton spent two years with GWS after being selected in the rookie draft and played a total of five AFL games with the club in 2012.
North Ballarat ramps up its preparation for the new season with a camp in Lorne this weekend, where the leadership group will be selected.
The Roosters launch their 2013 campaign with a clash against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday, April 6.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au