Tom Nash's foray into the Ballarat Football League senior ranks has been a brief one with the reigning Waubra premiership captain penning a deal to return to his former club.
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Nash had signed with North Ballarat City for the 2020 campaign, but with the year abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he has committed to playing for the Roos next season.
The onballer said some of the people that were integral in his desire to make the move to City were unlikely to be there in 2021. This, as well as a busy professional life as a school teacher, has led to the move back to the Central Highlands Football League.
Nash said he would be unable to give the time and effort into pre-season that the BFL "demands and expects".
"I really appreciated the support I did get from the North coaching staff and the playing group," Nash told The Courier.
"They are professional, they are hard working and just nice people.
"This is purely just a lifestyle decision now.
"I was willing to give it a good crack and I kind of feel a little bit embarrassed that I didn't play."
Nash was captain when Waubra won the grand final against Hepburn last September, but won't hold the skipper's armband in 2021.
That has gone to close friend Austin Murphy, who has stepped up from the vice-captain's role.
Nash said it was exciting to return to Waubra to play under good mate and coach Matt James once again.
"My understanding is Twig (James) did a really good job in retaining a lot of the senior playing group from last year - reserves and seniors - and he's also done a good job in recruiting some players that were going to play this season," he said.
"It looks like Waubra is stacking up to be a really good side and hopefully challenge for a good spot deep in the finals."
Nash played junior football for East Point, but never made a senior debut for the club in the BFL. He joined Waubra to embark on his senior career and has gone on to become one of the most consistent midfielders in the competition over a long period.
As well as last season, Nash won a flag with the Roos in 2011.
News of Nash's return comes as James was confirmed as the club's senior coach for the next two seasons.
It was confirmed in recent days that Rohan Brown had also left North Ballarat City, where he was an assistant coach, to take on the head role at Donald.