Jordan Greene (South Cairns Cutters), Jordan Scott (Port Fairy) and Jake Boyle are back on board for Warrnambool and District league season 2021.

Thornton said they would be able to help their teammates reach the standard needed to achieve the ultimate success again.

Thornton was pleased to report the Dogs had also signed Brad Rantall, Jack Johnstone (South Warrnambool), Bronte Baker (Allansford) and Liam Byrne.

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Greene, who was among Dennington's best in the 2015 flag, played for South Cairns in AFL Cairns seniors in 2020.

"He has moved back down with his partner," Thornton said.

"He's a midfielder, very tough in-and-under sort of player.

"Much needed for our young team."

The coach said Boyle was back after having knee reconstructions.

"He's another onballer who's skilful and will provide good leadership," he said.

"He's a handy inclusion, another bigger-bodied bloke to help the younger guys."

Thornton said Scott was back after seasons with Hampden league club, Port Fairy.

"He's a midfielder, forward and back as well - so a bit of a swingman," he said.

Thornton said Rantall, a jumps jockey, would play whenever he could around his horse-racing commitments.

The Dogs mentor said he was likely to line up on the wing.

"He's very quick and a hard nut," he said.

Thornton said Johnstone, a 2019 premiership player with South Warrnambool's under 18.5, would play forward and onball.

"I'm pretty excited about that pick up there, he'll be a very handy player for us. He's skilful and very fit," he said.

"He's a tough in-and-under sort of player as well."

Meanwhile Bronte Baker has switched from rival WDFNL club, Allansford.

"He's a very quick small-forward," Thornton said.

"He'll see a bit of midfield opportunity as well."

The first-year coach said backman Liam Byrne, who played his juniors at Dennington, was also back after having a break from footy.

Thornton said Luke Moutray (Old Collegians) and Tyson Umbers (Merrivale) were among the departures.

Dennington has been training Monday and Wednesday but they can't hit the track together early this week due to the state government's five-day coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

Thornton trusts his troops will do their own training if they don't have a group session this week.

The coach is looking to embrace the strengths of his youthful group this season.

"We're hoping to play an attacking, fast-flowing brand of footy," he said.

"We've got a lot of young, fit blokes in the team."

Thornton said there had been strong numbers and a good buzz at training.

"A few lads have stepped up on the track - Zeb McKenna, Tom Fitzgerald and Lewis Campbell-Gavin," he said.

"They've really stepped up this year and have been helping me out with taking drills and are moving very well on the track themselves."

The Dogs are hosting Panmure in round one on April 10.