The 26-year-old moved back to the south-west mid-year for employment opportunities and has inked a deal with the Hampden league powerhouse.

Herbert, who is on the cusp of moving in with Roosters teammates Tait Niddrie and Brayden Beks, played junior football at Friendly Societies Park before he was drafted to AFL expansion club Gold Coast Suns in 2014.

He managed three games at AFL level before clocking stints with North Ballarat Roosters and Geelong Football League club South Barwon.

When Herbert returned to the south-west, the chance to return to South Warrnambool was too good to resist.

"I even went to school with a few of the boys," he told The Standard.

"Obviously Brayden and Tait are two, Liam Youl is another, and there are heaps of other boys (I've played juniors with) floating around.

"I played with Josh Saunders at South Barwon and he was another I'd spoken to. I didn't need any convincing to come back."

Herbert is looking forward to taking up arms under re-signed coach Mat Battistello.

The former Emmanuel College student played under the third-year mentor when he was a line coach at NAB League outfit Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

"There's a lot of hype around the club and there's a lot of potential," Herbert said.

"We've got a great list and a great coach. I have that bit of experience playing under 'Batters'.

"That relationship was already there and I know what he's all about."

Battistello said Herbert's return built on the Roosters' plan to bring former players back into the fold.

"It is a credit more to the playing group, they've created an environment and encouraged the calibre of Louis to come back and try to help us improve and ultimately help us get the success this playing group wants," he said.

"It's great for Louis as well to come back to his home club. Since he's left he would've improved as a player so I am sure he is pretty eager whenever we're allowed to play to showcase how far he's come as a player as well."

Battistello said he was grateful for the hard work put into getting Herbert back to Friendly Societies' Park.

"Matty Monk has done the majority of the ground work with Louis," he said.

"He's a great contributor to our footy club. He does a lot of our list retention and player management.

"It is a credit to 'Monkey' he's been able to work with Louis and get him back to the club."

Herbert hoped to add experience and versatility to the Roosters' playing stocks.

"The leadership and experience off the field, definitely," he said.

"On-field I have a bit of experience playing a few different levels and positions. I just want to help the team and the coaching staff in any possible way.

"I'm pretty happy with my decision to come back."

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