Coach Mick Phillips is focused on developing and keeping youngsters at the club and drawing past players back to Dennington Recreation Reserve.

He's already having success with the approach.

Dogs' 2015 premiership playing coach Darcy Lewis is back involved with the club after coaching at Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in the Mininera and District league last year.

He doesn't have a formal role but is helping Phillips with the senior group and lending a hand with other grades.

"I've been helping take (senior) training once a week for them," he said.

His sons Paddy and Mason have joined the Dogs' under 12s team. His wife Melissa is also back at the club playing netball.

Lewis doesn't know if he'll play matches this season but he said he hadn't retired.

His immediate focus is on providing leadership on the track.

He added a couple of other former players were helping at training including 2015 premiership player Luke Duncan (retired 2019).

Phillips said he was thrilled to have Lewis back to offer a difference voice and perspective.

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A host of talented former players have also signed up to play for the Dogs this season.

Jake Boyle, also a 2015 premiership player, is back after having a knee reconstruction.

He injured his knee in the 2016 preliminary final.

"He's had two years of trying to make sure that's right," Phillips said.

"He's a big-bodied midfielder and was one of the better players in our premiership.

"I'm looking forward to having him around the youngsters to look after them a bit."

Matt Dwyer has returned after playing for Port Fairy in the Hampden league reserves grade.

"He's six foot and can play key position or onball and has good skills," Phillips said.

Zeb McKenna, who can play centre half-back or onball, is back from Wickliffe-Lake Bolac.

Phillips said the pair were about 20 years old and suited the age group the club was targeting.

Defender Jackson Dridan returns after having a year off.

Phillips said the recruiting spree was far from over will more players in the pipeline.

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