Savage, 29, arrives at Gardens Oval after 165 games with Hawthorn and St Kilda.

The midfielder, whose last AFL match was the Saints' semi-final loss to Richmond just two months ago, has inked a one-year deal with the option of a second season.

He is the second footballer straight out of the elite level to land in the Hampden league, joining former Adelaide and Hawthorn utility Ricky Henderson who signed with South Warrnambool in October.

Port Fairy president Noel Black said he was thrilled to welcome Savage, his wife Sarah and children Jett and Willow to the club.

He said the family planned to re-locate to the seaside town in January and had already done school tours.

"It is a major coup, for not only the club but the town," Black told The Standard.

"He is incredibly family-orientated and they were caught up in the (AFL) hub like everyone else and they were basically looking for a sea-change and what better place for a sea-change.

"We think he'll be here to stay once he settles and hopefully he'll be here for the long term."

Black is confident Savage's impact will extend beyond the playing field, highlighting his interest in junior development, right down to primary school-aged children.

"He is really big on junior development, so he is going to take a leadership role in junior development within the club," he said.

"He's also a graduate of the AFL Next Coach program."

Savage spent time in Port Fairy recently before committing to the club.

"We showed him around the town, he had a coffee with a few of our leadership group, he's met up with (coach) Winis (Imbi) and his family," Black said.

"He is going to move here. I think he had January 20 slotted in. He wants to get involved as quickly as he can."

The New Zealand-born Savage averaged 17 disposals a game and kicked 63 goals across his 11-year AFL career.

He spent four seasons at Hawthorn before he was traded to St Kilda.

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