A MACK Oval homecoming was always on the cards for Dylan Herbertson.
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He just didn't know when.
The 29-year-old confirmed his switch from Hampden league club Port Fairy last Friday, becoming Russells Creek's 11th summer signing.
Herbertson spent five seasons at Gardens Oval and is keen to help Creek plot a climb up the Warrnambool and District league ladder.
"It's really good to be back. It was always going to happen but I probably didn't know when," he said.
We had some good leaders at Port Fairy and I want to pass on what I've picked up playing with those blokes.
- Dylan Herbertson
"I had the pre-season off and didn't know what I was going to do footy-wise. Creek is close to home and it's where I played a lot of junior footy.
"My whole junior career was there and my family have been involved as well."
Herbertson, who played under both Brett Evans and Dan Nicholson at Port Fairy, said he was determined to help the Kangaroos' youth reach the next level.
The utility will hone his coaching craft as an assistant under Peter Timms.
"My role is very much about helping out the younger kids and fast-tracking their progress," he said.
"We had some good leaders at Port Fairy and I want to pass on what I've picked up playing with those blokes.
"I want to pass those things on to our younger crew."
Timms said Herbertson would play a variety of roles for Russells Creek but expected the left-footer to spend the majority of time in midfield and defence.
Herbertson said he'd developed extensively since his last stint in blue and white.
"I've definitely matured a lot," he said.
"I'm a different player to what I was back then. You learn things, you pick things up.
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"It's been about learning how to put those things into my game and then going out and executing it."
He said Creek's recruiting drive had the club optimistic as vied to shake its tag as perennial battlers.
Former best-and-fairest Aaron McInnes has returned, while talented brothers Jyran and Phil Chatfield have impressed in pre-season.
"We've picked up a few and obviously lost Andy (McMeel) to Port. From what I've seen in our practice matches, the new guys can play," Herbertson said. "They'll grow with more senior footy."
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