Bannockburn pulls the pin on Miller transfer

BLAKE Miller will sit out of football for the rest of the season after Bannockburn opted to “pull the pin” on his transfer to North Shore.

Tigers coach Peter Riccardi yesterday revealed the club had withdrawn its appeal to AFL Barwon, with the Seagulls refusing to clear Miller on the ground that he was a contracted player.

“He has to sit out a year, which is disappointing,” Riccardi said. “He signed a contract, so that was the only thing that was holding him back from playing and we knew that from the word go.

“I understand North Shore’s side of things, and I’ve always said that, because if you let one go it opens up a can of worms. If they lose one and someone gets disgruntled and wants to go, where do you draw the line?”

Miller had requested a move to Victoria Park, informing Riccardi that he was dis- gruntled and would not play for the Seagulls after a falling out with teammates.

But after four rejected clearances and a partly completed appeal process, Bannockburn has fallen on its sword.

Miller is the second North Shore player to be forced out of football this season. Matthew James also failed in his appeal to go to Bell Post Hill.

Seagulls president Dale Purcell said the club refused to budge on Miller’s contract, despite his decision not to play at Windsor Park.

“He signed a contract for us, he can play with us,” Purcell said.

“We wanted him to honour his contract. It was always a club policy to make sure players honour their contracts and that’s what we’ve done.”

Purcell said he was disappointed with Miller’s stance, but admitted he had not been in contact with him through the process.

“I haven’t spoken to him myself, but I’m sure the club has been in contact with him,” Purcell said.