The 2003 and 2005 Stawell Gift winner this week confirmed his intentions to race at yet another Stawell Gift, eyeing off a chance to become to first ever person to win three of the prestigious events.

Ross, 38, returned to the event last year but failed to make it out of the heats on his 1.5 metre handicap. 

He said he is feeling much better in the lead up to this year's race.

READ MORE: Ross creates history with second title

"I am very excited to be coming back and in better condition," he said.

"Last year I was not in race shape and completely fit.

"Right now I am feeling good, with about 10 races under my belt this season and I am improving every time I race.

"I'm looking to come back to Stawell and redeem myself and put on a show for the people."

RELATED: 2018 Gift winners reflect on success

Ross said he is feeling good in the lead up to Stawell, having finished fifth in the Bunbury Gift final earlier this month.

He has moved his base to Perth, a move he says has paid dividends.

"This is the best I have felt in the last five years," he said.

"The team I have around me now is wonderful. I feel great mentally, spiritually and physically."

RELATED: Stawell Gift prizemoney restored

Ross is just one of three athletes to have won the Stawell Gift twice from the 137 times it has been run. 

He said a chance to create history continues to motivate him.

"In my life I like to try and do things that no other people can do," he said.

"I always try and stretch myself so people  look back and say 'that's impossible, how'd you do that'.

"To win a third Stawell Gift would be the highlight of my career, for sure."

Ross was inducted as a Stawell Athletic Club legend in 2018. He said he enjoys returning to Stawell and is keen to be back again in April.

"I always look forward to getting back, being amongst the locals and giving my time to people - it is what I love doing," he said.

"I will continue to go for the rest of my life."

Stawell Gift prizemoney was recently restored to full after a significant reduction weeks earlier.

Ross said the money side of things for the Stawell Gift is not what interests him.

"It's great the money has been restored but keeping the tradition going is the most important thing," he said.

The 2019 Stawell Gift will be held from April 20-22.

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you’re up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.