SOUTH Bendigo’s BFNL premiership hopes could receive a timely boost, with VCFL representative Leigh Burke desperate to return to the club.
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Burke, who last played for the Bloods in 2007, has told his Ballarat Football League club Melton South that he wants a clearance to South Bendigo.
The VCFL deadline for lodging clearances is this Sunday.
South Bendigo coach Rick Coburn, who played with and coached Burke at the Bloods in 2006 and 2007, said the club was hopeful it would secure the key defender’s services.
“We’ve had discussions with Leigh and he’s indicated he wants to come back to us, but he is under contract with Melton South,’’ Coburn said.
“Leigh’s indicated that he isn’t happy with the training standards and professionalism at Melton South and he wants a change.
“It will be interesting over the next few days to see how it pans out. I don’t know if we’re going to be successful. We’ll be trying our best to get him back.”
Melton South is seventh on the Ballarat Football League ladder with a 4-5 record and isn’t a premiership contender.
South Bendigo has dropped its past two matches, but remains in third place on the BFNL ladder with a 6-2-1 record.
“Obviously we’d love to have Leigh back at the club. We’re a little bit light on with talls down back, so it would be a huge plus to have him,’’ Coburn said.
“He’s so flexible. He can play forward or even as a tall winger.
“Having him in our side would allow us to free up Michael Leech as well.”
Melton South met with Burke last night in an attempt to get him to stay at the club.
“We’re still trying to talk him out of it,” Melton South president Peter Earl told the Ballarat Courier.
“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.”
Earl said there was no guarantee Melton South would clear Burke if he chose to move on.
Burke has represented the VCFL twice as a key defender and was one of Ballarat’s best players in last month’s inter-league win over Bendigo.
Meanwhile, South Bendigo will regain star midfielder Justin Wilson for this Sunday’s crucial clash with fourth-placed Gisborne at the QEO.
