The former Warrnambool small forward, who would pinch-hit in the star-studded Blues' engine room, said he wanted a change of football scenery.

"I know a lot of the fellas at South Rovers so it was an easy decision for me to go across for a new challenge," he said.

"I am hoping to play a lot more midfield, that is where I am targeting."

Lenehan, 28, played 19 matches for the finals-bound Blues in 2019.

It came after an injury-hit 2018 campaign which included broken ribs and fractured wrist.

He said he'd forged lifelong friendships at Warrnambool - the club he played all of his junior football for.

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The Brauer College teacher will still trek to the Albert Park complex for South Rovers' training at Walter Oval.

"I can still hear the boys from Warrnambool (at Reid Oval) train," Lenehan said.

"I have a lot of good friends at Warrnambool and that won't change. A lot of the players play golf together on Saturday in the summertime and it's not too far to go back for a beer and a meal."

Lenehan plays off a handicap of seven which is he says "is OK but could be better" and often hits the course with Warrnambool's Sam Cowling, Tim O'Keeffe and the Turland brothers.

He has also started training with the Lions and hopes to add leadership to the Adam Matheson-coached outfit.

South Rovers, which finished seventh in 2019 with eight wins and eight losses, has a number of players on its radar.

Former East Warrnambool pair James and Joel Richards have clearances pending following the Bombers' decision to enter a two-year recess.

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