But when it’s a pair of home-grown talent’s drawn back for one of your club’s biggest season’s in recent times, it’s a special kind of celebration.
Such is the case for Mooroopna, which has welcomed back brother Keelin and Liam Betson in a timely coup for the Cats almost a week out from the start of the season.
The lure of competing for their home club during its 150th season was a strong one for the returning tall timber, donning the hoops once again after competing for Geelong Football Netball Club outfit St Joseph’s.
Liam departed for the Joey’s ahead of the 2024 season while Keelin, Mooroopna’s best-and-fairest of two seasons ago, followed a year later to play a key role in the club’s journey to the GFNL grand final.
“They were attracted by the fact that it's our 150th season, and for the next two years, we'll be wearing our commemorative jumper which is something pretty special,” Mooroopna president Bill Dowling said.
“We're very, very happy to have them back. Liam's not far off 50 senior games and Keelin has actually passed that.
“They're both loyal, home-grown players and they'll be great editions.”
After finishing 11th in 2025, Mooroopna’s first challenge to climbing up the GVL ladder will come against last year’s finalist’s Shepparton Swans under lights at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Easter Saturday.
Meanwhile, out at King's Park, Seymour has received some good news of its own.
The Lions’ forward-50 will loom menacingly, with ace spearhead Riley Mason reportedly committed full time after his stint in Collingwood’s VFL squad.
The 2024 GVL leading goal-kicker booted 72 goals that year, while throwing himself into AFL mid-season draft calculations last year after booting 21 goals in 12 games.
