Highly credentialled Nick Rippon will line up with Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Football League next year.
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However, it will be an abbreviated campaign for the 25-year-old, who will spend a substantial part of the season travelling overseas.
Rippon said he hoped to play at least five games at the start of the season, but was uncertain whether he would be available for finals if Lake Wendouree finished in the top six.
Although previously aligned with East Point and Lakers while in the VFL, Rippon has not played in the BFL since he was part of an East Ballarat under-16.5 premiership side in 2010 owing to TAC Cup under-18 and VFL commitments.
Rippon said the chance to play with long-time friends had attracted him to Lake Wendouree. He shares a house with Lakers captain Ash Simpson.
Rippon's move to Lake Wendouree follows his decision to take a break from the VFL after seven years in the competition - five with North Ballarat Roosters and two with North Melbourne.
"I needed to freshen up mentally.
"I was mentally worn out after trying for so long to be drafted (into the AFL)," he said.
Rippon said he was looking forward to playing in a more relaxed atmosphere, with country football not carrying the same demands as the VFL.
Rippon joins Lake Wendouree with outstanding credentials, having been a VFL, North Ballarat Roosters, North Melbourne VFL and North Ballarat Rebels best and fairest.
