Smythesdale’s most influential player has left the kennel.
Rylan Rattley, a force in the Bulldogs’ ruck department during the past two years, has joined East Point for the 2017 season.
He adds to the Kangaroos’ tall stocks in what will be new coach Jake Bridges’ first campaign in charge of the Ballarat Football League club.
Rattley has led from the front during his time with the Bulldogs, winning back-to-back The Courier footballer of the year awards and senior club best and fairests.
Smythesdale coach Stephen Frys said Rattley is keen to test himself at a higher level.
“He’s definitely going to leave a big hole in our side, but we’ve just got to reach out now and try to find someone else to fill his shoes,” Frys said.
“We wish him all the best and hope he does well with what he is trying to achieve in town.”
Kade Rattley, who has also been with Smythesdale for the past two seasons, will join his brother at East Point next year.
