In the current coronavirus climate, this recruiting strategy will need to ring true.

With clubs on uncertain ground financially heading into 2021, and with player points still in play, recruiting talent who are looking for more than a quick buck is vital.

Warrnambool coach Matt O'Brien on Sunday said his club was in conversation with several former Blues.

Jason Rowan has already returned to Reid Oval after a three-year sting coaching Warrnambool and District league outfit Merrivale.

"We're speaking to a few ex-Warrnambool players who have moved out of the area to see if they're interested in coming back to play footy," O'Brien said.

South Warrnambool's Louis Herbert - who returned to the Roosters this week after time at the Gold Coast Suns, North Ballarat Roosters and South Barwon - is another coming back to his roots.

Many coaches would buy into the idea that recruiting is among the most difficult aspects of their job.

That's partially why getting players which already have links to the club will be utmost importance.

In times of economic uncertainty, with less jobs on offer, people are less likely to be looking to relocate.

As a result, players from out of town will be tough to sign up.

For players already based in the south-west, it'll be tough to convince them to move to a fresh club as there was no season in 2020.

Many coaches - including O'Brien and Russells Creek mentor Peter Timms - have mentioned a sense of unfinished business drove them to recommit for 2021.

There'd be a sense of that in players as well.

Retaining lists will be key, and clubs which are able to secure ex-players with a touch of class might just edge it. Player points are another factor. Hampden and Warrnambool and District league caps for 2021 are yet to be released but clubs must be increasingly mindful not to breach the rules when recruiting.

The system is designed to encourage clubs to promote juniors and not break the bank for recruits.

The face of football is certain to look different than it has in the past and clubs will be desperate to ensure they emerge stronger for the year off. If south-west clubs can lure a few former players who've played at a higher level? Who knows.

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