Box Hill premiership winning captain Stuart Horner will play at Shepparton United full-time in 2027.
He will be a playing assistant coach in the Goulburn Valley League after playing one game locally in 2026, finishing with 42 disposals in a losing cause against Echuca.
He was selected in the 2026 VFL team of the year ad averaged 18 disposals and seven marks throughout a premiership-winning campaign.
"Stu had a massive impact on our playing group and our club in the one game he played this year and we cannot wait to see him don the red and blue every game next year," a statement on social media read.
"We welcome Stu, partner Maddi and of course (their) baby Bowie and their wider family back to Shepp United."
He has been at Box Hill since 2016 and was this year their longest serving player, and finished with 102 VFL games to his name as well as 27 VFL reserves games.
The 2026 season was Horner's sole season as Hawks skipper, succeeding Cal Porter.
