Justin McConnell’s return to Ballan is over after just one season.
The star forward moved back to his old club as its senior coach for the 2016 campaign, but has left after a disappointing year that saw the team finish ninth.
McConnell handed the coaching reins to his boom recruit Jason McNamara, and has since confirmed his move to Golden Rivers Football League reigning premiers Murrabit.
He will play under the leadership of new Murrabit coach Hugh Foott, who has spent time with McConnell at the North Ballarat Roosters.
While the Blues missed out on emulating their 2015 heroics, which saw them reach a preliminary final, McConnell enjoyed a strong season on a personal level. He booted 73 majors and was only pipped for the Central Highlands league goal-kicking award in the final round by Springbank’s Paul McMahon.
