The former Carlton and Brisbane Lions bad boy will play nine home matches, plus finals, for the Pigeons this season.

Fevola is the 15th player with state level experience or higher to join the O and M in the off-season.

“It’s another great drawcard for the league,” O’Connor said yesterday.

“Brendan&rsquo ;s recruitment caps off a massive off-season for O and M clubs.

“You’d do well to find a better recruiting off-season in the history of the league.”

Fevola, 31, said at the weekend said that two Ovens and Murray clubs were vying for his signature but declined to name the second team.

In a further twist, the remaining clubs denied they had spoken to him, while Tasmanian outfit New Norfolk was hopeful of securing him for a one-off game.

His first match in Pigeons colours is likely to be on Sunday, April 8, against Lavington at Mulwala’s Lonsdale Reserve.

“Previous years they’ve had around the 3000 to 4000 mark,” O’Connor said.

“You’d now be pushing that up to 7000 or 8000.”

Pigeons co-coach Chris Kennedy said Fevola would let his football do the talking.

“I’ve got no concerns,” Kennedy said.

“He’s just a lad who enjoys himself.”

O’Connor praised the Pigeons for taking a risk on Fevola.

“No doubt all the clubs are interested in the drawcards,” he said.

“If they’ve got the means to do it then you would encourage them to do it if they are a fit for their clubs.

“I’m also looking forward to watching Patrick Rose play for Wodonga Raiders.

“He should be another excitement machine for the league.”

Yarrawonga hopes to cash in on the Fevola signing.

It is offering anyone from a 25-kilometre radius outside of Yarrawonga a $20 membership for all home games, as well as discounts from the club’s sponsors.

The Pigeons are also offering $5 junior memberships for home games.

For more information email the club at yarra wongafnc@hotmail.com.