Cowan, who was the Gippsland league's best player in its inter-league loss to Central Murray this season, will form part of a new-look midfield at John Foord Oval alongside brothers Damien and Cam Wilson.

Corowa-Rutherglen coach Marc Almond said Cowan had the ability to play inside and outside.

"He's really hard at it and will be a good fit," Almond said.

"We've spoken to a lot of people down that way and they all say he's a good player.

"We think he has a lot to offer.

"We needed to add quality through the midfield and up forward and, with the Wilsons and Russell Cowan coming on board and Rohan Davies having a really good back half of last season, things are coming along well."

Cowan is a former teammate of Corowa-Rutherglen signing and star forward Damian Cupido.

The 30-year-old has won a league best and fairest in the Yarra Glen league and is a long-time inter-league representative.

He has won multiple best and fairests throughout his career.