Dynamic small forward Mitch Phelps has ended his latest stay with Redan in the Ballarat Football League.
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Phelps will continue his football with Barwon Heads in the Bellarine league.
He will be joined in the move to the Seagulls by Redan 150-game veteran Damien Horbury.
Redan coach Brendan Peace said as disappointing as it was to lose two prominent players neither move came as a surprise.
He said Phelps’ move was work-related and Horbury was making a lifestyle change in moving to the Geelong area with his partner.
“We wish them both well.”
Peace said Phelps had been looking for employment opportunities in the Geelong region since arriving back from overseas earlier this year.
He said it had been a bonus to have the premiership player and former Lions best and fairest get on board for the 2017 season.
Phelps, who played with Buninyong last year, had an immediate impact and kicked 39 goals in 13 games.
Horbury leaves Redan as a three-time premiership player – 2007, 2009 and 2011.
He played his juniors with Mt Clear and debuted with Redan in 2007 after two seasons with North Ballarat Rebels.
The departures of Phelps and Horbury continue what has been testing off-season for Redan.
Young ruckman Nick Hausler, who had Redan as his home club while on the North Ballarat Roosters’ VFL list, has switched to Sebastopol, veteran forward Brenton Riordan has returned to his home region to play with Katandra in the Picola and District league, and another former Rooster Josh Webster is heading to the Southern Mallee Giants after having Redan as his home club.
Experienced duo Jacob Short and Chris Giampaolo will also missing while travelling overseas.