A footballer returning to his home club is happy he won't have to play against it in 2021.
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Joe Kenna admitted running out against Old Collegians last year was challenging.
Kenna, Jacob Lacy and Matthew Petherick, all 25, have rejoined the Warriors after a short stint at Warrnambool and District league rival Russells Creek.
"It just didn't feel right playing against them," Kenna said.
"Missing our home club was the main thing when we went over to Russells Creek."
The mates joined the Creekers in 2019 and, like many other players across Victoria, had their 2020 campaign wiped out due to coronavirus concerns.
The trio, who have played in junior flags with Old Collegians, are pleased to be back at Davidson Oval and are eager to play their part under coach Nick Sheehan.
"We've won a couple of premierships there in juniors and with Nick coaching them this year it is going to be an absolutely great opportunity to play under him and with Matt Dempsey as his assistant coach," Kenna said.
"Jacob didn't actually play (in 2019), he was coaching because he'd done his ACL.
"He is back now and fit as a fiddle and ready to have a go and so is 'Pepsi' (Petherick) and so am I. We're really keen for the year."
Kenna wants to help build a premiership-winning side.
"We'll be OK but we won't be the main contender. We want to improve our kids, make them better and hopefully have a good generation," he said.
Old Collegians president Jason Moloney said the club was thrilled to welcome Kenna, Lacy and Petherick home.
"They are all good players. We know Matty Petherick can be quite dynamic and takes a hanger when he needs, so he'll be a hard match up," he said.
"Jakey Lacy will be handy for us around the back line and midfield and Joey is a good winger. They are only mid-20s so hopefully they're back at our club for the the long term."
The recruits want to help off the field too. "Both Joe and Jacob were interested in tipping their toe into coaching," Moloney said.
"Joe will be the co-coach of our reserves footy side with Jimmy McKenzie, a previous senior coach of ours, and Jacob will be the co-coach of our under 18s with Sam Brooks.
"You know you've got good people when they also want to contribute around the footy club."
Old Collegians, which started pre-season training on Wednesday night, have lost 2020 recruits Xavier McCartney (Russells Creek) and Jake Peters (South Barwon) without playing a senior game in green and gold.
Moloney said Peters, who is based in Geelong, needed to make a decision which was best for him.
"It is a little easier for them to stay around Geelong; it is a big commitment to come down the road," he said.
"And what we're seeing at our footy club is that people are really wanting to play with their mates and people they already know."
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