SOME of the gloss has been taken off Holbrook's productive off-season with the departure of Josh Jones.
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The Brookers' inspirational skipper relocated to Tamworth a fortnight ago after his fiancee, Georgia, accepted a job transfer as a maths teacher.
While mindful that employment is a priority, Jones conceded the timing of the move was not ideal with the Brookers widely touted to be a serious flag contender.
"It's only early but the way things are shaping up and the recruits we have been able to land, it's disappointing knowing I won't be a part of it," Jones said.
"After playing juniors, I made my senior debut eight years ago and experienced a fair few down years - that's for sure.
"So I was really looking forward to this season and initially I was disappointed in having to move.
"But I have come to terms with it now.
After a slow start to last season, Holbrook scraped into the finals series after notching nine wins, two losses and a draw from it last 12 matches.
Holbrook proved too strong from Rand -Walbundrie-Walla in the opening week of the finals.
It was eliminated the following week after being overrun in the final quarter by fierce rival Culcairn.
The Brookers landed two prized recruits over the summer in John Mitchell and Luke Gestier.
Mitchell is a four-time premiership player with Albury while Gestier is an O&M representative.
In a further bonus, the Brookers have also signed developing key position player Logan Hamilton from Lavington.
Alongside Jones, their only other confirmed departure is best and fairest winner Sam Harris.
Despite the two significant losses, Holbrook look the most logical danger to Osborne who will start the new season as flag favourites.
"We had some good sides and made a grand final when Jarrod Twitt was coaching in 2013," Jones said.
"But with the recruits, it would be the strongest list we have had since then."
Jones has racked-up almost 150 matches with his junior club including being captain since 2014.
The classy midfielder said he was still keen to continue playing football.
"There is a local competition and probably the best way to describe it is up and coming," he said.
"It hasn't been in existence for too long but I have had a few training runs with the local club.
"The standard isn't that great.
"But I'm keen to get involved in the community and still have a kick on the weekends."
