Goodwin has officially re-signed with the club, but it was never in doubt with the former VFL representative launching a heart-warming endorsement of the Ovens and Murray club.

"I had an absolute ball this year, I'm not going anywhere," he stressed.

"A lot of the blokes are in the same position, the league only got 13 games, it was stop-start, I hardly even got a year in, to be honest.

"It was hard in Melbourne with the lockdowns, not being able to train flat out all year."

Goodwin said he loved the atmosphere around the club.

"Coming from the VFL where it's very self-absorbed and you get that when you're playing at that level, everyone's trying to play the highest level they can and while you have a team, it's not really a club," he explained

"This year you watch the 18s, reserves, the netballers and go back to a country club, which is what I've always wanted.

"I had a couple of friends come up and watch a few games and they said it's like 1990s footy in Melbourne, it's hard, tough and quick with good skills, it's just a great league to play."

Goodwin immediately asserted his authority on the competition, starring in the season-opening win over Wodonga before producing another top display against powerhouse Albury.

He finished in the best in six of his 11 games and could be a top 10 contender for the Morris Medal.

"It's great to have Tom back, he's an influencer because he's down to earth, he has a presence and he's a good bloke to have around the club," head of football Craig Spencer praised.

ALSO IN SPORT:

The Roos won five of their 13 games and with former AFL assistant coach Peter German about to enter his second year, the club should push towards the finals as it looks to break what will be an eight-year drought.

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