JACK HUDSON

GAWLER Central will be missing star midfielder Sean Baker from its line-up in 2021, with the 2020 Hurn Medallist moving to the Henley Sharks.

Baker, who finished fifth in this year’s Schluter Medal, is a tough loss for the reigning premier, but coach Matt Whelan wished him well.

“An opportunity arose for him closer to home, so his business interests are growing rapidly,” he said.

“Sean and I are quite close off the field, so I knew some things were happening for him in the background.

“It’s unfortunate, but we as a club will provide nothing but well wishes for him as he moves into that venture.”

The Tigers will also lose Shane Moss, who will return to Balaklava in the Adelaide Plains competition after the Peckers didn’t field a side this year.

However, Central’s home-grown contingent continues to grow, with three players set to return.

“Brad Pilkington will be back, Josh Edwards will also be back,” Whelan said.

“Matt Gibson will also return, we’re working with some others that are close to signing as well.”

With a smaller salary cap to work with in 2021 and points pressure coming in due to premiership success, Whelan said the next two years are vital with their squad and bringing in locals.

“It’s important to keep that group of locals,” he said.

“In 2021 it’s important, but even more so the year after, if we continue the way we think we should from a points perspective.

“We have one eye on the very near future, and as a club we’re looking a few years down the track.”