Anthony played 43 games for Collingwood between 2008 and 2010, before moving to Fremantle for the 2011 and 2012 seasons where he managed eight matches.

The 29-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Southport Sharks in the NEAFL in Queensland. 

Anthony joins the Warriors after long discussions with the club and new coach Colin Macaffer.

Macaffer said Anthony will be a good addition to the team having known him for a significant amount of time.

“Jack and I go back more than 10 years to when he and my son (Brent) roomed together when they played at Collingwood,” he said. 

“I got to know Jack pretty well back then and I just loved his work ethic and commitment to the game.”

The former Magpie joins the Warriors after moving back to the area to be with family.

“I moved to Stawell to be around some family,” Anthony said.

“My Pa passed away earlier this year so it was important for me to get back and spend some more time with my Ma and mum.

“My Pa always said he wanted me to come and play for Stawell so it is good to be able to let that happen.” 

After a shock retirement from football earlier this year, Anthony said he is excited to be with the Warriors.

“I retired mainly because I lost the passion for footy. While I loved my time with Southport, the environment on the Gold Coast wasn’t really for me anymore” he said.

“I didn’t really have any intentions of playing next year but with my connection with Colin through Brent, I decided to come down and have a go with Stawell.”

Anthony trained for the first time with his new Warriors teammates on Thursday night. 

He will add much needed versatility to Stawell’s forward line in 2018. 

Anthony booted 83 goals in his 51-match AFL career, including a total of 50 in 2009 to win Collingwood’s goal kicking tally for the season.

The new Warrior is most well known for his famous goal against Adelaide in the dying minutes of the 2009 semi final to win the game for Collingwood.

Macaffer said Anthony’s experience at the highest level will be “incredibly valuable” to his side.

“We are thrilled to have a guy with great experience, knowledge and work ethic,” he said.

“He has a lot of credibility with myself. I just love the way he applies himself to training and the game – his attitude is excellent.

“He even put in his own words on Thursday that he wants himself and his teammates to be the best they can and push themselves in 2018.”

Anthony, who will get his first taste of country football with Stawell, said he can’t wait to get going.

“I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I have met the majority of the boys and the place seems like a really welcoming and nice club.

“I feel pretty good and I’m sure we will be put through our paces throughout the pre-season.”

Stawell president Tim Williams said it is an exciting prospect to have Anthony on board.

“We are pretty rapt,” he said.

“It will be not only great for the club but also the league and the town as a whole.”

Anthony joins Stawell’s new signings Cody Driscoll and Luke Hendy, with more recruits set to be announced in the coming weeks.  

More to come.