Couch, a former Nirranda and Jan Juc cricketer, joins the Meerkats as captain-coach while former Merrivale division one batsman Lynch signs as his deputy.

The pair both have a connection to the former Grassmere coach and mentioned him as a key driver behind their decision to join the club.

"I'm getting towards the end of my career and I wanted a new challenge and I played with Chris Lenahan many years ago at Nirranda and thought it's a good chance to play while I still can," Couch said.

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For Lynch, who won a Warrnambool and District flag with the Tigers in 2012-13, it was more personal.

"I haven't played for a few years and I was uming and arring after I retired from football last year," he said.

"I'm brother-in-law with Chris Lenehan and I'm mates with a few of the boys and they have been on to me about coming out to play and I finally said yes to them."

The Meerkats top side will be bursting with experienced heads with Justin Coates, who has lead the team for the past two seasons, along with Lenehan continuing to play next season.

Couch, who is eager to improve his side further this season, said having two past leaders in the side "says something about club".

The Meerkats finished last season in first place before bowing out in the semi-finals to eventual premiers Hawkesdale.

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