Jesse Dalton – an instrumental figure in the club’s drought breaking 2016 flag – has returned after a one-year stint at Penshurst.

Threlfall, who also recently re-signed alongside fellow co-coach Shane Quick, said Dalton added depth to the Blues’ attacking arsenal.

“We’re working hard at getting our previous players back at the club, and having Jesse committed is fantastic,” Threlfall said.

“He was terrific in finals for us a couple of years ago, so we’re very happy to have him back.

“He just gives us another avenue towards goal.”

Dalton booted 52 majors from 19 fixures at Penshurst to finish seventh on the Mininera and District league’s goalkicking ranks last season.

It followed a 47-goal season at Nirranda the season prior.

For Threlfall, a former Terang Mortlake and Port Fairy mentor, the decision to re-sign with the Great Ocean Road club was made easy by the strength of its list.

“While you have a good list in place, it’s very tempting to going,” he said.

“We’ve got a strong list and would hope to be very competitive.

“We’re confident we’ll be able to push for finals again, and push deep into finals, and that’s obviously a motivating factor.”

Threlfall said his side had begun a three-week pre-season block prior to the festive period.

“We’ve just been getting together but it will ramp up intensity after Christmas,” he said.