He trained with Myrtleford this week and wants to do the pre-season with the Saints before deciding on his playing future.

Several Ovens and Murray clubs have tried to sign the Thurgoona midfielder in previous seasons.

Rampal declined the offers because he didn't have the time available to commit to the higher standard.

But a recent change in circumstances has tempted Rampal to have a crack at the O&M.

Myrtleford coach Jake Sharp said Rampal would be a welcome addition at McNamara Reserve.

"'Rama' trained on Monday night," Sharp said.

"He has committed to training with us over the pre-season but hasn't signed or anything like that."

Sharp said the Saints were introduced to Rampal through Lavington premiership coach Simon Curtis.

Curtis has crossed to McNamara Reserve in one of the biggest recruiting coups of the off-season.

"I hadn't had the opportunity to watch 'Rama' play and Simon suggested we should try to get him to Myrtleford," Sharp said.

"Simon knew 'Rama' a bit previously because he had tried to get him to play for Lavington when he was coaching.

"After speaking with 'Rama', he is just keen to challenge himself at the higher level.

"You can sense he has got the motivation and drive to get the best out of himself and has got the fitness.

"Obviously he is one of the premier players in the Tallangatta league and more than capable of playing O&M."

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While there is no doubting Rampal's ability, he turns 37 next year and will be one of the oldest players in the competition if he elects to play.

Former Wodonga star Jarrod Twitt was assistant coach and ran the bench for Thurgoona in 2019 had front row seats watching Rampal play for the Bulldogs.

Twitt has no doubt Rampal could have an impact in the O&M despite his age.

"I rate 'Rama' highly and told Wodonga they should have a crack at recruiting him," Twitt said.

"He certainly looks after his body really well and his professionalism and the way he prepares each week won't be an issue at all.

"I can see him having an immediate impact and it won't take him long to adjust to the higher standard.

"He has played at a higher level previously.

""Rama' is a see ball, get ball type player who can be an outside midfielder but has also got the intensity to play on the inside.

"He would fit in perfectly in most O&M sides."

The Saints were fourth when the season was abandoned with an 8-5 record.

But they have enjoyed a productive off-season to close the gap on league heavyweights Albury and Wangaratta.

The Saints have snared the prized signatures of Curtis and Benalla midfielder Sam Martyn.

Martyn is regarded as one of the premier midfielders in the Goulburn Valley league and won the Saints' best and fairest this year.

Benalla team-mate Callum Crisp has also returned to McNamara reserve and will boost the big man stocks.

Sharp is also on track to make his return from a knee reconstruction in the opening round.

The biggest loss has been Lachie Dale who signed with North Hobart.

Taylor Hunt also won't return after one season.

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