Natimuk United has had its hopes of a dual All-Australian and AFL premiership player stepping out for its season-opener dashed less than a day after the club announced the signing.
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Former Collingwood star Leon Davis was slated to play in the Rams' round one clash against Rupanyup, but the small forward's home club has refused to release him.
"Neon Leon", as fans dubbed him, joined Heathmere in the South West District Football Netball League in 2018.
He took on a playing coach role in 2019 and was nominated for the Senior Coach of the Year award at the AFL Victoria Community Football Awards.
Natimuk United president Greg Radford said the refusal was a blow but sympathised with Heathmere's reasoning.
"It's disappointing, but I can understand exactly what the home club is thinking, with the risk of injury and so forth," Radford told the Mail-Times.
"We're disappointed but we're not angry. It's just one of those things in footy that happens."
Davis played 225 games for the Pies, kicking 207 goals - including the AFL Goal of the Year in 2008.
The club shared the news in a post on Facebook, which has been sighted by the Mail-Times.
The Mail-Times was also able to confirm the announcement with someone in the club.
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He played mainly as a small-forward and was selected in the All-Australian team in 2009. In 2011, Davis switched to a rebounding defender role and was again named in the All-Australian team.
The former second-round draft pick played in the drawn 2010 AFL grand final against St Kilda, but was dropped for the replay that the Pies won.
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
