The Southern Mallee Giants are hopeful four new football recruits will help offset the loss of several outgoing stars.
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Two-time premiership players Haydn Drew and Sam Weddell will not play in the 2020 Wimmera Football League season, with Drew spending a year travelling and Weddell moving to a higher standard of football in the NEAFL.
Ruckman Reece McNally, Aiden Yelland and big-man Blake Marshall have also departed.
Giants president Simon Cook wished the club's departing players all the best, particularly the long-serving Drew and Weddell.
"Those guys have been terrific for the club and have been with us for a long time. It's sad to see them go, but they've been fantastic for the club and we wish them all the best," Mr Cook said.
"The door is certainly open for them to return in the future."
While Mr Cook said they were irreplaceable, the Giants have announced four handy signings as the club retains an optimistic attitude ahead of the upcoming season.
2016 premiership player Fabian Dorbolo returns to the club after an extended stint in the Northern Football League.
Mr Cook said it was always pleasing when a player wanted to return to the club.
"For Fabian to come back to the club from Melbourne says a lot I reckon," he said.
"It's great to have people want to come back to that environment and atmosphere we have around the club."
Jake Hall, Blair Whelan and Michael Cooke have also signed on for the Giants.
Hall joins the club fresh off winning Calivil United's club best and fairest in the Loddon Valley Football League.
Hall also played as a rover for Loddon Valley during the side's 34-point interleague loss to the Horsham District league in 2019.
Cooke also joins from Calivil United, where he was the club's leading goalkicker in 2019.
Whelan, a 190 centimeter midfielder, joins via a connection with Giants coach Coleman Schache, having both attended school together in Ballarat.
Whelan has previously played in a Ballarat Football League premiership with Redan.
"The newer boys all pretty much have some connection to the club which has made them want to come and play here. That is exciting," Mr Cook said.
"The mood around the club is pretty buoyant and excited for the year. Hopefully we can give it another red hot crack."
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