Ben Hollands has joined flag contender Tallangatta

In a shock decision, Hollands last played for Wodonga in 2017 under coach Dean Harding.

Tallangatta coach Tyson Smith said Hollands would be selected to play against Mitta United for its season opener on Saturday.

Hollands, 43, said he was excited to be pulling on the boots again.

"I'm not sure how much I'll play but I'm looking forward to having a bit of fun," Hollands said.

"There are quite a few ex-Wodonga boys at Tallangatta who I played with or know which had a big influence on my decision.

"Blokes like Tyson Smith, Jack and Bob Russell, Khyle Goodman, Sam Maher and Kaine Parsons.

"So I've still got a lot of close friends and relationships out at Tallangatta."

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Holland's father, Bert, coached Tallangatta for two seasons in 1989-90 and led the club to a flag in his first season at the helm.

"I remember I started my career in Tallangatta fourths when dad was coaching out there," he said.

"The scary part is that it was more than 30-years ago.

"It could be some sort of record between when I played my first game for Tallangatta and how long since I returned I guess."

Hollands said he hasn't taken his comeback lightly.

The former AFL player has been working hard on his fitness with some gruelling training sessions at Bodyfit Training Albury under the watchful eye of former teammate Jarrod Twitt who part-owns the gym.

"I'm in as good shape fitness-wise that I've been in a long while," he said.

"I would like to credit 'Twitty' and Bodyfit Training for getting me and quite a lot of other footballers in pretty good shape.

"Big Matty Seiter has been putting in the hard yards as well and is looking fit.

"Whether my body can stand up to the rigours of a full season of football remains to be seen.

"I won't play every week and my three boys remain my biggest priority."

Hollands has also trained with Tallangatta over the pre-season.

"I've been having a bit of a run around at training. The body feels good but we will find out more on the weekend," he said.

Tallangatta are set to start the season as a genuine flag contender after finishing fifth in 2019.

The Hoppers have added significant depth to their list with Hollands alongside Jack and Bob Russell, Goodman, Maher and Joel O'Reilly among the recruits.

Hollands expects to predominantly play across half-forward and pinch hit in the midfield.

"If I didn't think I could still contribute to the side, I wouldn't have bothered playing again," he said.

"I've got a bit of experience and hopefully I can pass on a bit of my knowledge and help the side in that regard.

"I've never been one to shy away from a challenge so I thought why not test myself?"