Brain, who has played for Albury and North Albury, will make his return to the O and M at John Foord Oval next season and says he’s a better player than he was when he last played in the league.

The Finley boy lives at Oaklands and says “it made sense” to join the nearby Roos after almost committing to another season of travel at Rochester in the Goulburn Valley.

Brain, who joins Rochester teammate Luke Gestier as one of the Roos’ key signings, said he was looking forward to playing in the O and M again.

“I was only a teenager the last time I did,” Brain said.

“I’ve worked pretty hard at Rochy over the past couple of years and feel like I established myself in the GV by playing interleague and that.

“At 23, you’d like to think the best is still in front of you but I’ve got to keep working hard.

“The O and M is probably the pinnacle of country footy and I didn’t think I’d be back this soon but I’m glad I am.

“It just made sense.”

Brain has represented both the O and M and Goulburn Valley leagues at interleague level and also played at Aspley in Queensland.

“I came through those O and M teams with guys like Charlie Gaylard who has obviously gone onto do pretty big things in this league,” Brain said.

“Corowa-Rutherglen is a team that is definitely on the up and Bryce (Campbell) has pretty big plans as coach.

“The sky is the limit.”

New Roos’ coach Campbell said he was rapt to lock away another top-liner in his first year at the helm.

“He’s obviously a proven player in the league,” he said.

“We couldn’t be happier with him and Luke (Gestier).

“They’re at the perfect age and more importantly will be living in the area.”

Ainley and this year’s best and fairest winner Gadsden are all but certain to remain in Melbourne after four solid years travelling.

Promising ruckman Iain McGillivray is another confirmed departure.

He will move to Wollongong for university.