The 23-year-old midfielder is one of three assistant coaches to Brett Somerville at his home club.

"It was really a travel reason, it just wasn't going to line up next year with work and a few other things, so I've decided to stay at home," he said.

Perryman works on the family farm near Collingullie, which is a 20-minute drive to Wagga, so it would have been a near three-hour round trip to training.

The midfielder works alongside younger brother Ed with the pair still targeting a stint in the Ovens and Murray, when the time suits.

"Yeah, definitely we're looking to do it down the track, we told (Lavington coach) Simon (Curtis) we'll still look to do it," he said.

Perryman is regarded as one of the Riverina Football League's best players due to his strength and ball-magnet ability.

With COVID-19 wiping out this year in the O and M and Collingullie not entering a team in the AFL Riverina Championship, Perryman spent the season at Osborne.

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Lavington won the last O and M crown in 2019, toppling home club Wangaratta in the decider.

The Panthers have re-signed virtually that same list, so even though a number of clubs have picked up players since the end of that season, in particular Albury, the premiers are still expected to be one of the main contenders.