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Hit with the injury stick and flattened by a series of heavy defeats, it's been a rugged year for Keysborough in the Casey Cardinia competition.

But captain Ryan "Bomber'' Goodes says the club's decision to seek a transfer to the Southern league for 2015 has given the players a late-season lift.

Goodes, 30, said optimism had replaced the dejection brought on by crushing losses and only one win.

"Everything's really positive all of a sudden,'' he said.

"It's been a tough time but now everyone's excited about what's happening.

"We're looking forward to getting this year out of the way. Then we'll throw ourselves into the next chapter of the footy club.''

Goodes, a two-time premiership player with Clayton before crossing to Keysy, opposed a switch to Southern when it was discussed three years ago.

But he now believes the Burras could not continue in Casey Cardinia.

"Just seeing where the club's gone to since, and obviously being in a low-growth area, I do support going across.

"I think the place needs some success and so does everyone. It wasn't going to come if we stayed there.''

Goodes said he had spoken to his teammates and all but one, Tim Werner, who intends going overseas, had committed to making the move to the SFL.

"Everyone's more than happy, 100 per cent,'' he said.

"It gets to the point where you get sick of losing and you'll do anything to win. We're all happy to go over and hopefully win some games.''

He said he hoped coach and champion ruckman Chris Bryan, whose season was wrecked by a knee injury, would return for a third year and lead the club into the SFL.

Bryan, he said, was "a massive part of the club and he's obviously our best player.''

Goodes believes Keysborough should start in SFL Division 2, as Dingley did when it transferred to the SFL.

Keysy, who have been in Casey Cardinia (formerly the South West Gippsland Football League) since 1954, will apply for a clearance to the SFL at the end of the season.

Before then they host Hampton Park in Saturday's final round, with the loser being stuck with the wooden spoon.

By Paul Amy

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