The thought of lining up against former George Town teammates has prompted Allan O'Sign to continue his career in the NWFL.
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Ready for a new challenge after four seasons coaching the Saints, the 300-plus-gamer will join Wynyard in 2021 as the Cats aim to go one better than this season's preliminary final appearance.
The 35-year-old said he was "mentally ready to go" after sitting out football in 2020 and likened his excitement levels to that of a 20-year-old.
"I was in a position where I just wanted to back away from the coaching side of things and just focus on [being] a player," O'Sign said.
"I feel like I've given everything at George Town as a player and coach and I felt like my time was just about up.
"I started looking for options in Launceston and there were a few clubs that would have been a good fit for me, but at the end of the day I just couldn't play against George Town being so soon."
O'Sign said he wouldn't rule out returning to the Saints in some capacity in the future.
"I loved every second down there - some of my most memorable memories are some of the games we won down there.
"Obviously we didn't win a lot of games, but the games we did were very memorable and it is a different feeling when you coach.
"I'm very proud of the boys and what they've achieved however I think it's time for a new voice and a new direction."
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A two-time premiership player and 227-gamer at North Launceston, O'Sign will be joined at Wynyard by another two-time flag Bomber in Sherrin Egger.
O'Sign said he was looking forward to getting to know the 20-year-old state representative, who was a damaging small forward and midfielder during three seasons at UTAS Stadium.
"I don't know him that well as a person just yet, but what I do like is the way he goes about it on the footy field - his tenacity and enthusiasm," O'Sign said.
"I reckon he's a guy you can really build a team around and really get a bit of drive through, so coming from the State League I can't wait to be running alongside him.
"I think [Wynyard] are in a premiership window and hopefully I can top them up a bit."
George Town will be coached by Adam Zanevra in 2021, with former premiership stars Anthony Axton and Shaun Muller returning to the club as assistants.
The Saints sat out senior football in 2020 but won the NTFA under-21 Shield.