The Dragons this week signed Calivil United ruckman and reigning Harding Medal winner Chris Down.

While Martin is yet to make a final call on his playing future, the Melbourne-based ruckman is expected to leave the Dragons because of travel and work commitments.

After claiming the LVFNL's highest individual honour, 24-year-old Down made it clear he wanted to test himself at a higher level.

The Dragons and Strathfieldsaye Storm led the race for his signature, but it was Sandhurst which won the battle.

"At age 24, Chris is a perfect fit for us,'' new Sandhurst coach Ashley Connick said.

"Hopefully, he’ll be a long-term player for the club."

Down was a key member of Calivil United's 2017 premiership side. He polled 28 votes in this year's Harding Medal and won comfortably by seven votes. 

Connick and the Dragons' hierarchy are still going through end of season interviews with players, but they are confident they won't lose many of the players that took Sandhurst to the preliminary final this year.

“We’re not talking to many recruits… we’ll have a pretty stable list,’’ Connick said.

Skipper Blair Holmes was heavily chased by multiple Heathcote District Football Netball League clubs, but he has knocked back lucrative offers to remain with Sandhurst.