South Warrnambool recruits key forward Dylan Weir for HFNL 2022

Weir, who has switched from Melton Centrals in the Riddell district league, kicked 62 goals from 15 matches in 2019.

He's a long-time friend of South Warrnambool midfielder Josh Saunders.

Battistello isn't expecting miracles from the star forward, he just wants him to complement the Roosters' formidable Hampden league outfit.

"We were very, very happy with the commitment of our playing group and the fact that core group has stayed on for the past two years," the coach said.

"Our player retention has been outstanding."

Battistello said recruiting the 27-year-old was straightforward because Weir had watched the Roosters play this season.

"He loved the environment the boys had created and he's obviously got a relationship with Josh Saunders," he said.

"The fact he came on board, it was a good vote of confidence in what we're trying to create as a club."

Battistello said the Roosters had been specific in what they wanted to add to their playing list.

He feels Weir will help the likes of key-position players Sam Kelly, Tim Ryan and Shannon Beks who have carried the workload in recent years.

Battistello believes Weir will be a good influence on Beks, a 23-year-old who has been playing ruck and forward.

But the Roosters' mentor hopes having Weir on board will help all his players, no matter their position.

"He'll be good for all our key-position players, he'll also be good for our small, crafty players," he said.

Weir has spent the year recovering from a wrist reconstruction after he tore a ligament in his wrist in round one this year.

He can't wait to get on the park.

"It's super exciting, they (South) look like they're sort of primed to go after coming third this year, hopefully if we can recruit well we can make that last push," he said.

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South Warrnambool president Steve Harris said Weir was coming off a wrist injury but was on the mend and "ready to fire".

"Dylan and his partner Brooke are moving to Warrnambool where Brooke will spend the next two years completing her medical internship at the hospital," Harris said.

"We welcome Dylan and Brooke to our club and know they will enjoy their time at Rooster land."

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