Joe and Jake McKinnon, who grew up watching their father Mick play for the Bulls, have signed on to captain the rebranded Northern Raiders.

Purnim revealed its new name and announced a switch to the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association on Tuesday.

It will initially field division two, three, under 17, under 15 and junior female teams.

Jake, a former Victorian Premier Cricket prospect with Essendon, said the opportunity to lead alongside his brother was too good to resist.

"The reason I came back was mainly to play with Joe. I was going to play wherever he was going to play," the 25-year-old said.

"And when this opportunity came up, it was too good to turn down.

"I haven't captained since juniors. I'm just looking to have fun, do the basics and get everyone enjoying their cricket."

Joe, 21, said the pair's family history at the club sealed the deal.

"Mum and Dad are both life members of Purnim," he said.

"We sort of grew up there. It's good to get back there and play cricket where it all started.

"Especially with Jake back, he's been in Melbourne so we haven't been able to see him much. He's back living in Warrnambool and when we got the opportunity, we jumped at it.

"We were always going to play. I was never going to go into a role as much, but Jake always said he wanted to finish coaching at Purnim.

"Jake's always had that. With me, I knew I'd always end up playing there. To get this role, I'm quite honoured."

While Northern Raiders' premier side will compete in division two next season, the duo won't settle for mediocrity.

Promotion to the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's top grade is the long-term goal.

"We're sort of hoping within the next two or three years to play division one," he said.

"We don't want to sit around in division two for too long. We want to get the club in a position where it can have a division one side.

"That's definitely where we're looking over the next few years. We're definitely going to be playing to win."

Both McKinnons will work closely with Northern Raiders' inaugural coach Tim Bryce, who has crossed from Panmure.

The duo said recruiting was underway but was hampered due to the reintroduction of stage three coronavirus restrictions.

"We're trying to keep what (Purnim) has, and just top that off with some quality players," Joe said.

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"We're looking at some older players who have previously played at the club.

"We think we're close to picking up a few who are keen to come back to the club. Brycey was one we looked for as an older head.

"He can definitely mentor some juniors and can help us as well on the ground. It takes the pressure off."

The Standard understands Northern Raiders will look to create a turf pitch at Purnim Recreation Reserve within three years. Northern Raiders president Trevor Dowd said the club was delighted to secure both McKinnons.

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