AFL legend Wayne Carey has warned boom Yarrawonga recruit Brendan Fev­ola not to underestimate the strength of the Ovens and Murray football league.

Yet the man regarded by many as the game’s greatest player, has backed the former Carlton and Brisbane star to succeed at the J.C Lowe Oval.

“If Fev is fit and comes up here knowing that it’s a very good league and he prepares himself properly, I think he’ll kick a lot of goals,” Carey said.

Carey was in Albury last night with premiership teammate Wayne Schwass, for the launch of the AFL coverage of radio station The River.

“The Ovens and Murray is probably the strongest country league in Victoria,” Carey said.

“I think his signing is fantastic for the area.

“He’s got himself fit, played over the break up in Darwin and he’ll draw a crowd. I think he’ll kick a lot of goals.

“It’s fantastic for the Ovens and Murray.”

Wagga-born Carey, who broke down in his only appearance with Maribyrnong Park in the Essendon and District league last year, said Fevola’s decision to play with Yarrawonga, rather than in another competition, said a lot about the strength of the O and M.

“He could go to the SANFL, the WAFL and still have played VFL where he had a very good second half of the year,” Carey said.

“A lot of country leagues have struggled a bit and I’m sure the Ovens and Murray has had its struggles as well.

“But it’s always been a good breeding ground for very good footballers.

“Many ex-AFL players and players from other leagues have played here because it is one of the better leagues and professionally run.

“Fev will fit in nicely.”

Schwass also praised Yarrawonga’s star signing.

Schwass, who labelled Fevola’s sacking by the Lions 12 months ago a “disgrace” at the time, said he admired the way the star forward had rebounded from his well-documented off-field troubles.

“He could have and gone off the rails, cracked the sads and done some silly things,” Schwass said.

“I admire that he’s accepted his AFL career is over. As ‘Duck’ said, he’s gone and played in Darwin.

“And with all due respect, he could have gone anywhere but he’s chosen to come and play with Yarrawonga.

“I think it’s fantastic.

“Whatever he kicks is a bonus. The fact is he is giving something back to country footy.”