MELTON South star Leigh Burke could be leaving the Panthers after asking for a clearance to play for his former side, South Bendigo.
Burke, a dual Victorian Country representative and Ballarat Football League interleague star, approached the club late last week and asked to be cleared immediately.
He did not play in the 118-point drubbing of Sebastopol on Saturday.
Melton South president Peter Earl confirmed on Sunday that Burke had asked to leave the club. He said a meeting last night (after the Weekly’s deadline) would determine his playing future at the club.
Earl said his club would fight tooth and nail to try to keep Burke but conceded it was unlikely it would be able to retain him.
All clearances within AFL Victoria must be finalised by June 30, which is Sunday.
“We’re still trying to talk him out of it,” Earl said.
“He came to the club last week where some home truths were said.
“If he has changed his mind, we would love to have him back. He’s a great player.”
Burke has been named among the Panthers’ best in four out of seven matches for the club this year.
He was best on ground for Melton South in his most recent game for the club, an unexpected 50-point drubbing at the hands of Lake Wendouree in round eight.
The 192-centimetre key defender was near best on ground for Ballarat Football League when it played against Bendigo in the AFL Victoria interleague clash in May when he came up against a number of former teammates and opponents.
“It’s disappointing for us, but I guess that happens in footy,” Earl said.
“When they (players) sign a contract, that is something they have to commit to and we have to commit to as well.
“Leigh is aware of that.”
— Ballarat Courier
