McPherson, 32, coached the Demons in 2008-09 and has spent the past few seasons with Riverina heavyweight Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.

The prolific ball winner was among the top echelon of midfielders in the Hume league and won both the Azzi Medal and the Demons best and fairest in his last season at the club in 2009.

Lockhart recruiting manager Ian Pertzel said McPherson would provide a powerful injection of class and experience to the Demons’ midfield.

“We have been working pretty hard on getting him back and thankfully he signed last week,” Pertzel said.

“We are thrilled to have him on board and his record pretty much speaks for itself.

“Azzi medallist, best and fairest winner and a four-time premiership player with Ganmain.

“Not only is he a class player but a proven leader as a coach and was captain of Ganmain last year.

“He is going to be unbelievable for us.”

In a further boost, the Demons have also signed Narrandera midfielder Zane Litchfield.

Teenagers Nicholas Hynes (North Albury thirds) and Blake Jones (Lavington thirds) will add further depth.

They join former North Melbourne player David Trotter, Northern Jets duo James Richards and John Hoey and Belconnen ruckman Zac Sheather as new arrivals.

The Demons have also lured premiership coach Mick Glanvill back to the club to help run the bench on match days.

He was in charge when the Demons won their most recent flag in 2003.

Pertzel said anything less then a finals berth this year would be disappointing after the Demons finished ninth last season with a 6-11-1 record.

They last qualified in 2009 when they lost the elimination final.

“It’s fair to say the club is buzzing with the recruits we have been able to land and everyone is excited about the year ahead,” Pertzel said.

“Anything less than a finals berth would be a major disappointment.”