Redan stands firm on retaining Horbury

Horbury wants to leave Redan and take up a role of playing assistant coach with South Bendigo in the Bendigo Football League.

Redan president Damian Linton said the Lions’ stance to retain Horbury had not changed.

He said Horbury was contracted and a required player.

Despite its desire to acquire Horbury, South Bendigo has not made any formal moves to secure his services since Redan rejected the first and only clearance application on February 18.

South Bendigo secretary Rob Robertson said the Bloods were eager to resolve the stalemate at the negotiating table rather simply lodging paper work.

He said South Bendigo was keen to open up avenues of discussion, but up to this point this had not occurred with the Ballarat league club.

Redan and South Bendigo each start their season on Saturday, April 16.

The Lions meet Lake Wendouree in a night match at Wendouree Reserve.

Horbury has been part of South Bendigo’s pre-season –  training and playing in practice matches.

Linton said Redan had not had any new formal approaches from South Bendigo or Horbury.

He said the Lions remained determined to have Horbury playing with them this year.

This is the second time in as many seasons that Horbury has been caught up in a tug of war between clubs.

After signing with North Ballarat Roosters for the 2015 VFL season, Horbury requested a clearance to Redan.

The Roosters blocked the move until after the start of the VFL and BFL seasons before granting Horbury’s desire to play with the Lions.

Horbury made his first appearance in round four and went on to play 14 games, including a finals campaign.

He then signed a contract with Redan for 2016.

Redan and Wendouree will play in one of two night games in round one in the BFL.

Melton and Melton South will also clash under lights.

The BFNL season begins with a standalone match between Darley and Melton South at Darley on Saturday.