Tom Eltringham took a year away from Springbank in 2015.
And it proved extremely poor timing.
The star goal-kicker was part of the Tigers’ losing grand final side in 2014 and was playing in the state’s north with Wentworth District when the boys in yellow and black claimed the Central Highlands league premiership last season.
Eltringham said that success made him hungry to return for another shot at the title and his first flag as a senior footballer.
“I knew they put in the work and I didn’t – I was up in Mildura having a good holiday,” he said of last year’s triumph.
“I was happy as larry for them. I just saw how much it brought everyone together and just made me want to come here.
“It’s the best feeling in the world – I’m very happy I did it.”
Eltringham kicked a goal in Saturday’s grand final, taking his tally to 54 for the campaign.
