Hasler came off the bench at half-time for his first appearance for City in its 10-0 victory against Albury Hotspurs on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was planning to take a season off, but was talked around by Albury City coach and friend Matt Maw.

"I needed to do something different after being at Twin City for 17 years," Hasler said.

"With the wife and kids, it's easier for them because they've got friends here.

"It's something a little bit more family-friendly, the kids know the other kids and it's a lot easier."

Hasler committed to the club early last week and has wasted no time settling in.

"I had a talk to Matt (Maw) and organised a few things and got it all pushed through before the weekend so I could have a run," he said.

"I've known Matty for a long time and he's a really good guy.

"It's going to be very interesting this year, it's like a breath of fresh air for me.

"I want to work my way into the starting lineup, but it's not going to be easy by the looks of it.

"They won 9-0 (against St Pats) last week and this week (10-0 against Albury Hotspurs) they've done it again."

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Maw couldn't be happier to add Hasler to the mix of his already rapid front third, which includes Patrick Brown and Isaac Read.

"He came off the bench for us just to get some run his in legs before his first start," Maw said.

"It's nice to have him on board, I'm very happy.

"I'm friends with him and have been talking to him for a while actually.

"I've been in his ear trying to get him out of retirement because he said he was going to have a rest.

"I said maybe a change would be a bit of fun for him and he knows a lot of the boys here.

"He's played in the AWFA rep competitions at the end of the year with a few of the boys."

Albury City faces bottom side Wodonga Heart after the Easter break, followed by a highly-anticipated derby against arch rivals Albury United.

A winnable game awaits against Wodonga Diamonds the following round, before another huge test against the in-form Cobram in round nine.