Yarrawonga star gives up VFL to sign with Blackburn

In the past two years, the 200cm ruckman has combined playing with Collingwood’s VFL outfit and the Pigeons.

But after 38 games at State level, he’s stepping down.

“Once I decided I was stepping away from Collingwood, then it made me think, ‘can I do this every week’ (travel to Yarrawonga),” he said.

“To be honest I was probably naive to the extent how much that drive effects you.

“To do it week in, week out, without having a training base I’ve always had at Collingwood, would make it very hard.

“It’s a very hard decision, obviously Yarrawonga’s my home and always will be.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for the O and M, particularly ‘Yarra’ and all the people there.”

The 25-year-old has just finished his law degree and given the prospect of long work hours, a three-hour car trip was not feasible.

Blackburn plays in the Eastern League’s top division.

“I’ve only played 14 games in the last two years at Collingwood, so it’s not a return in the investment with all the time you put into it,” he said.

Howe proved himself the O and M’s best ruckman in his stint.

He dominated a number of games and although he played only 14 of the club’s 20 games last season, the 100kg powerhouse will be sorely missed.