However, it must be stressed Stanton will only play if his coaching commitments at Carlton allow or he is eligible to play under AFL COVID-19 protocols.

While serious doubt remains over whether the Ovens and Murray will play this season after the Victorian Government tightened COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday following a sharp spike in cases, Stanton's signing came about through a family connection.

"If we do play, we're not sure how many games we'll get out of him because he's an assistant coach at Carlton," Lavington president Mark Sanson said.

While the O and M has boasted a stack of former AFL stars in the past decade, including ex-Carlton forward Brendan Fevola at Yarrawonga and former Western Bulldogs' best and fairest Daniel Cross (Albury), Stanton's resume is comparable to virtually any of the high-profile players.

The hard-running midfielder played 255 games for the Bombers from 2004-2017.

He was a remarkably consistent player, snaring six top five finishes in the Crichton Medal best and fairest, including runner-up placings in 2011-12.

The ball magnet joined Essendon's leadership group a decade ago and had outstanding endurance with an ability to kick goals (158), despite the constant presence of run-with players.

Once retired, the now 34-year-old joined Carlton as a midfield development coach, while still playing in the Northern Football League.

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"He was an exceptional AFL player and the fact he's an assistant AFL coach, we thought it was a good opportunity to link someone like that into our club that hopefully might value-add to it, I guess," Sanson said.

Lavington claimed last year's title with a 34-point win over Wangaratta.

Did Simpson medallist Shaun Mannagh isn't expected to play as he's joined VFL outfit Werribee, although the Panthers remain his second club, while Brad Carman and Liam Ross (AFL Sydney) and Nick Holman (retired) are the other departures.