He signed with Wangaratta last year after gaining employment at the Wangaratta Chronicle as a sports journalist.

The former Murray Bushranger who still resides in Albury has returned to former club Brock-Burrum after playing in the Saints losing grand final side against Osborne in 2019.

Mack, 19, said it would be difficult to find the time necessary to dedicate to training in the O&M while he is still travelling for work.

"I still live in Albury and Brock-Burrum train twice a week in Albury over the pre-season," Mack said.

"Once the season starts it is one night in Albury and one night at Brock-Burrum.

"So it just made sense to head back to Brock-Burrum while I'm still living in Albury.

"I don't think I'm quite ready to commit to O&M football.

"So I will just enjoy another season in the Hume league and see what happens after that."

Mack did a pre-season with Wangaratta last year before the season was scrapped due to COVID-19.

"Wangaratta were a great club and made me feel welcome over the pre-season," he said.

"But to be honest it would have been tough for me to break into the side because they look primed to challenge for the flag once again after adding a bit more class to their list."

IN OTHER NEWS

Mack will be a welcome addition at the Saints who have lost key players Nico Sedgwick (Lavington) and Josh Spencer (North Wangaratta) since the end of 2019.

They have signed prolific goalkicker Damian Cupido as an assistant coach and Jindera defender Harry Weaver.

Mack felt the Saints could remain a finals force.

"The list is shaping up well," he said.

"Cupido will bolster our attack and I will probably play in the midfield and half-forward and looking forward to playing alongside him.

"Not only does Cupido still have a lot to offer as a player he also has a smart football brain and I'm keen to learn off him.

"Harry Weaver will slot down back and help strengthen the defence.

"But having 12-months off footy is going to be interesting and how clubs adapt."

Mack said he was itching to get back playing.

"I probably didn't miss playing last year for the first couple of months," he said.

"But I can't wait now."