SOUTH Warrnambool premiership player Joe Dalton knew in his heart that one day he would return to his junior club.
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The 28-year-old, who departed the club at 21 as he moved base to Queensland, will travel from Melbourne each week to once again don the red and white in the Hampden league in 2020.
"When I left I always thought I would come back at some stage so now is the right time," the 2011 senior premiership player said.
"I am 29 in May and I feel South are heading towards something. They've recruited well in the off-season and hopefully we can be competitive.
"It's hard to know how people will fair at this time of year but I'm sure we should be a reasonably competitive team so that is a big factor in wanting to come home now."
Dalton, who played five seasons with QAFL club Morningside including a premiership in 2014, was on the verge of joining last season but the plumber by trade decided to wait.
"Last year was my first year living in Melbourne after I had a year overseas and I thought about coming back then but I wanted to get settled," the midfielder/half-back said.
"I guess now the opportunity is as good as it is ever going to be obviously besides the travel I'm in a spot with work where I can come home and see more family and friends."
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Dalton said he was aiming to play more than three quarters of the season.
The right-footer hoped to be another handy leader for the Roosters' rising stars.
"I will try and offer a bit of on-field leadership. I watched a few games last year and they've definitely got a lot of talented youngsters," he said.
"I'll play where they need me and just try and offer some of the young guys some guidance and wherever I can fit in I will do my best."
Dalton said he was excited to be back at Friendly Societies' Park.
"I don't know how much longer I will play footy for and hopefully I have a few more years left but it's definitely good to be back," he said.
"I'm excited to play footy again, probably the most excited I have been in a while so I'm looking forward to getting involved again."
Dalton said South coach Mat Battistello had been welcoming and was very understanding of his driving situation.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
