Now he wants to go one step further with the grand final-bound side and deliver a maiden Hampden league premiership to the Bushfield-based club's loyal supporters.

O'Leary, 23, last played for the Eagles in 2014 before a stint with Geelong league outfit Bell Park.

"I was only at North for three years and played in all three prelim loses before I moved to Geelong," he said.

The Geelong-based footballer missed the Eagles' first grand final appearance in 2016 but is grateful to be part of their second tilt at history.

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He travels up each week with teammate and workmate Darcy Keast, ex-AFL footballer Billie Smedts and former VFL player Sam McLachlan.

All four have played a part in the Eagles' rise from wooden spooners 12 months ago to grand finalists.

"Being away for a few years, I always wanted to come back but the timing wasn't right," O'Leary said.

"But getting Bill on board and I know Darcy was really keen to come back, it was just the right time for me to come back and have a kick again."

The Eagles were a highly competitive bottom-placed side in 2018, winning five games and restricting opponents to 82 points a game on average.

"From what I have been told they were not that far off, losing games by margins they lost by," O'Leary said.

"So from that point of view, it's probably not a surprise (we've jumped up the ladder). They've still got those older players there who were there when I was and the younger players coming through all play the right way."

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O'Leary has been a swingman for coach Adam Dowie, using his versatility across a myriad of positions.

He admitted his form had been "a bit patchy" and his game style - as highlighted by a screamer attempt in last weekend's preliminary final - was better suited to dry conditions.

"I started OK and then had some good games and some bad games," O'Leary said.

"We've had a bit of a shocking patch with the grounds and the weather.

"I started off down back and I've been put up on the wing and had a bit of midfield time and forward.

"I am probably a natural backman but getting up the ground to play is not too bad."

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