North Ballarat Roosters on-field leader Luke Kiel will extend his VFL career with Geelong.
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The Cats have signed Kiel as one of their primary VFL-listed players.
Kiel said it had always been his intention to continue playing in the VFL after the Roosters had lost its place in the competition.
He said it had been just a matter where.
Kiel said with his girlfriend securing a job in Geelong, the Cats were the perfect fit.
He said everything had fallen into place and he could not wait to be part of a VFL team in full AFL environment.
He will be relocating to Geelong as soon as possible to ensure he gives himself plenty of time in the pre-season to become accustomed to the new surroundings.
Kiel believes the Cats have much to offer him in a football sense and at a personal level.
While he had a strong interest in Geelong, Kiel, 27, said the Cats had made the first formal approach.
He said Geelong was looking to having a young VFL list and he would offer experience and leadership.
Kiel, who is originally from Swan Hill, makes his way to Simonds Stadium, after six years and more 80 VFL games with North Ballarat.
He joined the Roosters in 2012 and spent all his first season playing in the AFL Victoria Development League.
From that point on though became a regular at VFL level, winning the 2015 best and fairest and being co-captain this year.
He was also largely injury-free, with a hamstring issue this year being the only injury of note he suffered while in Ballarat.
Kiel does not expect to be the only former North Ballarat player lining up in the VFL again next season.
He said he was confident others would find new homes in the competition.