The Warriors yesterday unveiled Dwyer as one of three recruits as they seek to improve on their first semi-final exit at the hands of Dennington in September.

Lismore-Derrinallum onballer Coby Dudman and Camperdown utility Abe Robertson have also joined the Daryl Beechey-coached side. Dwyer, 30, played juniors at CBC and Old Collegians before heading to South Warrnambool for his under 18 season.

The onballer spent four seasons with the Roosters and two with Sunshine Coast before returning to Victoria and rejoining Old Collegians in 2009.

He was captain in 2011-12, leading the Warriors to a grand final in his first year. His last two seasons have been with Heatherton as an assistant coach.

Dwyer, who will commute from Melbourne next season, said he felt the time was right to rejoin Old Collegians, a club he has strong ties with.

“My grandfather (John McMahon) was part of the first premiership at Collegians, my cousins have all played there,” he said.

“It’s a pretty big family pull and I’ve got a really good friend base there. A lot of my good friends are involved at Collegians in one capacity or another.”

James Ryan, Nathan Forth and Scott Williams are senior players Dwyer is close with. But making amends for the 2011 defeat is also a source of motivation. “There is a bit of unfinished business, I suppose. We lost the grand final in 2011 and I was captain then,” he said.

“My partner is moving home back to Warrnambool. I’ll be commuting to see her anyway. There are two or three big incentives.”

Dwyer, a carpentry apprentice who is the brother of Collingwood utility Sam Dwyer, said he would likely finish his football career at Old Collegians.

The two-time club best-and-fairest winner — 2012 at Old Collegians and 2013 at Heatherton — was confident he could contribute to the Warriors’ cause. “It’s taken me a while to mature as a footballer. The last three or four years have been my best in football,” he said.

Beechey said he was rapt to secure the trio. 

He said recruiting players with strong ties to the club — such as Dwyer — was a priority.

“We’re stoked to have him back on board, a past player and a captain. If blokes like that want to come back to the club, we’re doing something right,” Beechey said.

Dwyer is likely to run through the midfield, Dudman has the pace to be an inside or outside player while Robertson will fill a flank or pocket role at either end. Beechey said Old Collegians’ pre-season training would start in late November. 

The Warriors already have about a dozen teenagers in their junior academy, taking part in twice-weekly boxing, fitness and strength sessions.

“Last year we had 11 or 12 new players come into the side. It took a while to get them all on the same page,” Beechey said.

“We’re obviously going to grow more as a team. At this stage we’re not losing anyone. It’s a massive bonus. We’ll be thereabouts.”