The 25-year-old then made the announcement to the playing group two nights later at training.

Despite the fact there are still nine games remaining in the season, the electrifying forward will not see out the year, and has said he and his family will relocate to Queensland.

“It definitely was a tough decision,” Bloomfield admitted

“It’s nothing to do with Lara, it’s mainly family reasons and for a fresh start.

“I love every moment at Lara an it was really tough telling Kersh and Shayne Stone.

“They have been the best coaches in my footy career so far.

“I wish I could stick around and fight out the year with the boys, but obviously I’ve got to do what is best for my family, they are number one.”

His departure will be hard to cover for Lara which has won just two of nine matches this GFL season despite showing it can be competitive against the leagues best.

Kershaw has described Bloomfield’s announcement as both a “shock” and “massive loss”, but said he understood the forward’s reasoning.

“It’s a difficult one,” Kershaw explained.

“Our lives often revolve around footy but at the end of the day it’s a game, a sport and when life takes you in a different direction football becomes just that, a game.

“Myself and the club, whilst disappointed, fully support his decision and back him 100 per cent.”

In his three seasons with the club, Bloomfield has claimed a best and fairest and has been the club’s leading goal kicker in both 2012 and 2013.

He has also represented the Geelong Football League at interleague level for the past two seasons.

Despite only being at the club for a relatively short time, Bloomfield has left a lasting impression according to his coach.

“He is one of the best players I’ve seen play GFL,” Kershaw stated.

“He leaves a Lara person and everyone at the club loves him.

“Kids follow him around at training in the club rooms and from end to end on game days.

“For me I’ve become close to him and wish him all the success in the future and will always be there for him.”