The 36-year-old will join as a playing assistant coach and will likely bolster a forward line which was the second-most potent of any team in the league last season.  

Shipton is the latest addition to the Parrots’ growing list of recruits, which already includes Lindisfarne key defender Jimmy Mitchell and returning pair Rohan Sergeant and Jake Nunn. 

The three-time Launceston flag-winner said while it had been hard to leave his club of four years, he was excited for a fresh start. 

“I’m quite happy with my efforts I put in at the club there and I’ve obviously got a (soft) spot for them, I really enjoyed my time there but the time was right to move on and keep following what I want to do,” he said. 

“I’ve got a few close mates at Bridgenorth and there’s the Launceston connection, so they’re the main reasons and obviously to follow my coaching as well.”

Shipton, who led the Redlegs to three grand finals and a preliminary final during his four year-reign, said he was unsure how many more years of football he had left in him.

“I’m just taking it year by year now as I’m getting older.

“There will come a time where I’m going to have to give up and focus more on the kids with their sport soon - my daughter’s starting to play football now and my other kids are interested in all different things.

“I’ve still got the enjoyment and passion for the game so that’s what driving me to keep playing.”

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