Defender Sam Borlini has signed with East Devonport after spending 2013 in the State League with the Magpies.

His decision to return home comes a week after forward Aaron McNab announced he wanted to rejoin Latrobe.

The two defections have angered Devonport coming just 12 days before it is due to play its opening game against the Western Storm.

Borlini, 24, has told Devonport that he doesn't have the time to commit to the State League as he has a young family and a busy schedule as a builder.

East Devonport has already lodged clearance papers for Borlini and remains hopeful he will be cleared to play on Saturday when the NTFL season begins.

But that seems highly unlikely with Devonport not expected to budge on either Borlini or McNab.

"We're totally disappointed at the timing of it all," Devonport president Shane Yates said.

The Devonport match committee is understood to be upset at the late actions of both East Devonport and Latrobe but claim both players are contracted for 2014.

Borlini, son of East Devonport premiership player and life member Peter Borlini, began his career at Girdlestone Park in 2006 and capped his career with selection in the All-Australian under- 23 amateur team in 2012.

East Devonport coach Ross Harris said he hoped Borlini's playing future could be determined as quickly as possible.

FORMER Richmond champion Matthew Richardson will be at Devonport tomorrow night for the club's jumper presentation.

Shane Yates said Devonport had 170 registered players and presentations involving six teams would take place.