Franc leaves Beaufort

After playing almost his entire career with the Crows, the dual Geoff Taylor Medal winner has lodged a clearance to join the Mininera and District Football League side.

Franc admitted he was realistic about his body and potential to make an impact for the Rovers, but said it was also an opportunity to broaden horizons and meet new people in the game.

The 35-year-old, who played in Beaufort’s breakthrough reserves premiership last year, said he had been contemplating the move throughout the summer.

“I guess I know that playing seniors when I’m 35 is probably beyond me with the way (the Beaufort) team is and that sort of stuff,” Franc said.

“I don’t want to be keeping young blokes out of a spot in the reserves either.”

Franc won the Central Highlands league’s senior best and fairest in 2008 and 2011, and is just the fifth multiple recipient of the award.

He has represented the competition at interleague level and is a past senior coach of the Crows.

Franc said he would always be involved with Beaufort and still felt as though he could attend its games and training sessions while playing for another club.

“Beaufort’s in a good position and I can still be a part of that in a way and still enjoy a bit of footy myself,” he said.

Franc’s fall from being a top player in the Central Highlands has been quick, with the veteran playing just one senior game for the Crows during 2015.

The Rovers begin their season next Saturday.