The pair live just five doors down from each other, have children who play together and Lenehan's partner was part of Harkness' wife's bridal party.

With the close friendship, and Lenehan as an unattached J.A. Esam medallist after a long stint at Warrnambool and District league club Old Collegians, it was only natural Nirranda coach Harkness would try his luck on the recruiting front.

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He was met with a straight bat several times, but persistence paid off. Lenehan, a ruckman with the ability to swing forward, signed a clearance and is now expected to suit up as a first-time Blue this weekend.

"I talk to him several times a week and have done for a number of years. We'd quite often go out for a coffee before footy with our families on a Saturday morning, I'd be in my Nirranda gear and he'd be in his Collegians stuff," Harkness said.

"Quite often there'd be a recruiting pitch thrown in there amongst our discussions and obviously ruck has been an area where we've struggled for depth for a number of years so we've always been on the lookout and especially since I was appointed coach 18 months ago.

"It's been an area where we've tried, but they're very hard to come by. (Lenehan) has given us plenty of headaches over the years so we're very happy to have him on our side."

Harkness said the Blues' ruck duties had fallen on Jarryd Walsh since Knox Ratu suffered an injury in late May.

He said Lenehan's arrival meant the load would be shared on-field and expected his tactical nous would help the club's budding players.

"He'll beef up the on-ball brigade and help us get first use," Harkness said.

"We know he's got the ability to go forward and kick goals too. It's certainly a luxury to be able to add someone of his calibre at this point when we're 10 and zero, but as I've said all along we're not getting too carried away with that.

"There's six games to go and finals after that. In six months' time nobody will be talking about (being 10 and zero) if we don't have a premiership."

Harkness said Lenehan's decision to shift to Nirranda from Old Collegians wasn't taken lightly.

"He's been extremely loyal to Old Collegians over the years and my pitches have mostly been knocked back with a straight bat because of that," he said.

"Because now Old Collegians are in a bit of a rebuilding phase and he's getting towards the end of his career, the timing just sort of made sense.

"It certainly wasn't an easy decision for him, I know that, and I know he has some great relationships and friendships at Old Collegians. We're very respectful of that as well and the way he conducts himself."

First-placed Nirranda will play Russells Creek after the bye on July 10 at Mack Oval.

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