The former Cricket Victoria development officer, who grew up in Maryborough, has shifted to the south-west after more than six years in Melbourne with Victorian Turf Cricket Association outfit Keilor.

He was convinced to move after “falling in love” with Warrnambool on a business trip last year.

Schuppan maintained contact with current coach Ben Boyd after meeting at the start of last season and arrives at the club with a return of 36 VTAC wickets in 2016-17.

The talented quick said he was welcomed to the club with open arms and felt the decision to sign with the Gators was the right decision.

“I grew up playing with Laanecoorie Dunolly, which is about 15 minutes out of Maryborough,” he said.

“Allansford is about the same distance from Warrnambool. Even the ground set-up is similar – Laanecoorie Dunolly has grounds side-by-side like there is (at Allansford).

“I came down at the start of last season and watched a game or two and I think there are some very good players in this association, which makes it even more appealing.”

Schuppan said he was set on moving back to the country after growing tired of city life. “When I started going back to Melbourne, everything that didn’t annoy me before started to annoy me. The traffic, the train delays,” he said.

“Warrnambool is a big enough town and it ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a big country town and it isn’t totally rural. It’s down by the coast and it has me really excited to be honest.”

Despite under-performing in 2016-17, Schuppan was confident the Gators had the cattle to challenge at the pointy end of next season.

“I’m a big believer in taking it week-by-week, but I was saying to Boydy last night that there is too much talented at Allansford not to play finals,” he said.

“The guys are all up for and have committed for next year.”

New skipper Chris Bant was also thrilled to take on the role after crossing to the club from Panmure in 2016.

“I really enjoy the idea of challenging myself. I was captain at Panmure but it’s a little more serious and challenging here,” he said.

Last season’s boom recruit, Mitch Clark, will vice-captain the side.