Gadsden joins the Roos from Old Brighton where he will be reunited with former teammate David Clark and other recent signings, Mark Ainley and Paddy Phelan.

Gadsden is the reigning best and fairest winner at Old Brighton after finishing runner-up the previous year.

Old Brighton plays in the VAFA A-grade section and his signing comes soon after the departure of O and M player Robbie Ferraro.

The Roos have also lost best and fairest Sam Carpenter and Craig Tafft (retired) from last year’s line-up, which was the first team eliminated from the finals series after losing to Wangaratta.

But the addition of Ainley, Gadsden and Phelan should enable the Roos to hold their ground.

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“We are really pleased Matt has chosen to play at Corowa-Rutherglen this year,” Roos coach Peter Tossol said.

“He has been a highly consistent player for a number of years both in the amateurs as well as the VFL.

“He will bring experience to our young team and provide us with some real strength.

“I think he will enjoy the change of environment and think he will influence our team greatly.

“He is a good bloke who will fit into our team nicely.”

Gadsden, 29, has been a highly consistent performer for Old Brighton since rejoining the club in 2006.

As an on-baller and half-back, Gadsden has finished top-three in the club’s best and fairest three times and been a proven performer in finals games.

He has also played in two VFL premiership teams with Sandringham in 2004-05.

“Matt may assume a number of roles for us but will primarily play on the ball,” Tossol said.

“He could play in many positions for us and will be a good utility type player should we need his talent and experience in a special role.”

Ferraro has joined Old Scotch in the VAFA where former Geelong and Richmond forward Adam Houlihan, who hails from Corowa-Rutherglen, presently plays.

Meanwhile, the Roos have confirmed their practice match opponents for the build-up to the round 1 clash against North Albury at John Foord Oval on Easter Saturday, April 3.

They will play Sandhurst (March 13), Benalla night competition (March 20) and Myrtleford (March 27).