The Kangaroos have secured former Melbourne and Port Fairy star Dan Nicholson and ex-Seagulls captain Xavier McCartney for 2021.

The duo will join former Creek juniors Sam Wilson and Taylem Wason at Mack Oval.

Nicholson and McCartney are the latest to depart Gardens Oval for Russells Creek.

Utility Dylan Herbertson was the first to cross in March, while two-time Esam medallist Andy McMeel went the other way this past November.

The Standard understands Creek will press on in a bid to strengthen its list.

Russells Creek joint president Mick Jongebloed said Herbertson, who joined the club as an assistant coach this past season, was instrumental in landing the players.

"He's good friends with them. They all wanted to come and play with their mates, with the COVID scenario as it is," he said.

"It's a very exciting time for the club. Time will tell how it all works out but we're delighted to have players of that calibre at the club.

"They're all very handy footballers and hopefully that can help us climb the ladder and get a bit of that success."

Nicholson coached Port Fairy in 2017 and 2018 after a 32-game career at Melbourne. He stepped down in 2020 - with Winis Imbi taking the helm - but was to continue as a player.

He was widely regarded as one of the Hampden league's top players.

McCartney, meanwhile, signed for former club Old Collegians in 2020.

Sam Wilson, who played at Creek in 2017, suited up for Hampden league side Warrnambool in 2019.

Wason, a former TAC Cup product, was playing at Central Highlands outfit Gordon in 2019. He juggled time at North Warrnambool Eagles and the then-called North Ballarat Rebels in 2016.

The dashing defender looms as a one-point player for the Kangaroos.

Russells Creek, who will be coached by Peter Timms in 2021, finished 10th in 2019. Timms joined the club after winning a host of junior premierships as mentor at South Rovers.

He honed his craft as senior assistant to Adam Matheson in 2017 before the Kangaroos handed him an opportunity to lead their senior side.

The club signed a raft of talent - including brothers Jyran and Phil Chatfield - in preparation for the 2020 season before it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Jongebloed said the quartet of new signings would be good for the district league as a whole.

"We think that the other kids or players at the club will be (excited)," he said.

"You never know - maybe some of Taylem's mates or Sam's mates might want to come over and play too.

"These sorts of things can grow legs and who knows what'll happen.

"We just know at the moment it's a good place to be and to play footy."

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