The 29-year-old will return to the Bloods, who he coached in 2005 and 2006, after a season with Ouyen in the Mallee Football League this year.

O’Bree said there were plenty of positives to look back on from his time in Sunraysia.

“I had a bit of success when I first went to Mildura and then things didn’t go to plan in ’08 unfortunately,” O’Bree said.

“I played in Ouyen this year with a few mates and had a bit of fun.

“I’ve met some lifelong friends up here so it’s definitely been a positive experience,’’ he said.

O’Bree led Mildura to the 2007 SFNL premiership, but was dumped by the Demons along with co-coach Jake Anstey after a disappointing season in 2008.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Tuesday’s Sunraysia Daily 17/11/2009.