Group Nine president Jack Morton revealed the members of the selection panel had all agreed “the time was right” to finish up.

Morton, who was chairman of selectors, said the four football figures were unanimous that “young blood” was needed.

“It’s a different game these days,” Morton said.

“Fresh faces and young blood will be good for the game.”

Along with fellow selectors Ken Keenan, Ray Carr and Peter Ryan, Morton finished with a bang, with Group Nine beating Group 20 to retain the Kelly Cup last Friday.

Morton is adamant there are the right people in the Group Nine community to take over from the four outgoing selectors.

“It’s just a matter of them putting up their hand,” Morton said.

“We all know of younger blokes who should be interested.”

For Keenan, the decision to stand down ends a 44-year involvement with representative football that started in 1971.

Likewise, Carr has been a stalwart of Group Nine for decades.

Meanwhile, in Group Nine team news, several prominent players are set to return to action this week.

Playmaker Daniel Fitzhenry (Temora), centre Will Merritt (Junee) and centre Tasitumua Sala (Tumut) have been named for their respective teams.