The Saints announced the former Geelong and Richmond defender's signing on their Facebook site late Sunday afternoon, although speculation had been strong since mid-November.

"Taylor came up here about six weeks ago with his partner and spent a weekend with Dawson and (his wife) Allira and he said a little while ago he'd be coming here, we just wanted to make sure everything was right to go," president Ian Wales said.

Hunt played 105 AFL matches, including 63 at Geelong from 2009-2014 as a pacy run-with player.

He added another 42 at Richmond, but was delisted in late 2017, spending the past two years with Collegians in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

Simpson joined the Cats in 2008, playing 28 games and posted 20 in a four-year stint with GWS.

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"Because he's mates with Dawson he's bought in fully to being part of a club which is striving for success," Wales said.

"I've no doubt Taylor could get a lot more money at other clubs, we've got him because of the excitement we showed him last season and he wants to be a part of it."

Myrtleford won its first final in 13 years when it pushed through to last season's preliminary final and the addition of two former AFL players only adds to the buzz.

"There's quite a few people I've spoken to who say they can't wait for the footy season," Wales said.

'The supporters and members can get as excited as they like, it's up to the coaching staff to keep the players' heads out of the clouds."