NORTH Launceston full-forward Darren Crawford has resisted approaches from several North- West clubs and will stay with the Northern Bombers for at least another year.
The 24-year-old joined in North Launceston's first training session of the season on Monday night and signed a contract to play with the club again this year.
Crawford said his decision to play with North Launceston again had been made easier after he learned of his teaching post in the region for the following year.
"Just about every North-West club had approached me about playing with them but I'm glad to be staying at North," he said.
Crawford joined North Launceston from Ulverstone in 2008 and has been the club's leading goalkicker each year since.
He captained North Launceston last year until a hip complaint disrupted his season, and he is almost certain to be part of the leadership group again in 2013.
Crawford said the North Launceston players had made a decision among themselves to make donations to the state fire appeal.
"We're gathering food, water, clothing and cash, and we'll forward whatever we can obtain later this week," he said.
- TERRY MORRIS