Austin, who spent two years with the Brisbane Lions, returned to his Victorian Football League club North Ballarat Roosters after being delisted following a series of bad injuries.

After debuting in 2009 Austin played 15 senior games and kicked two goals, but never really cemented his place in the lineup.

Injuries struck the youngster again at VFL level having dislocated his shoulder eight weeks ago in a clash with Geelong Falcons.

Without a reserves team, Austin was forced to nominate a home club to play at before returning to the Roosters. He chose Stawell.

"It was my home club growing up, so Stawell was always my first option," Austin said.

"The last time I played with Stawell I would have been around 16 years old. They gave me a lot of opportunities including being drafted, so it will be great to give back a bit."

Having not played with Stawell Warriors in nine years it will be difficult to find his feet, but if anyone can it is Austin.

"I'm excited to get out there, get a game in and just have fun with some old mates," Austin said.

It is expected that the former Lion will line up on the half back flank, but Warriors coach Brad Cassidy is happy to be told where Austin should play.

"I am assuming he will start on a half back flank," Cassidy said.

"I will have a chat to Gerard Fitzgerald (Roosters coach) and will go from there. In the end though I will do what I'm told."

Austin is a huge inclusion for the club and Cassidy and the rest of the Stawell playing group are very excited to have him.

"It's not only great for the club, it is great for Matt," Cassidy said.

"He wants to help us out and the boys see it as a great opportunity to play with an experienced player. At the end of the day if he brings more energy to the boys, we are happy."

So far this season Stawell has had some good performances and some poor to even disappointing results.

"I've used the words tougher, accountable, relentless, that is what we need to have more of against Ararat to give ourselves a chance," Cassidy said.

On the bigger ground at Alexandra Oval, run and carry is important and with Jesse Eckel right to go and Brenton Potter also in the mix the team is almost at full strength.

David Morris is one player who is unavailable after playing just one game since returning from a hamstring injury.

Jarrod Illig will also play on Sunday as will Tom Eckel, who last weekend had his wisdom teeth removed.

Warriors will have a third training session for the week tomorrow morning when they meet for a quick kick and a light run.

"In the end if we don't cover the ground, we are in for a tough day," Cassidy said.