Myrtleford sign Benalla premiership forward Nick Warnock

Warnock arrives at McNamara Reserve from Benalla where he played in the Saints' most recent flag in 2015.

He will be reunited with former team-mates Sam Martyn and Callum Crisp.

Midfield dynamo Martyn is also a premiership player with Benalla.

Saints president Ian Wales said Warnock boasts a formidable record in the Goulburn Valley league.

"Nick's football CV speaks for itself and he should prove to be a huge acquisition," Wales said.

"He was a talented teenager who played for Murray Bushrangers and has played most of his senior football for Benalla.

"Nick played in Benalla's most recent flag and as a 28-year-old is in his prime."

Warnock has the ability to play both deep in attack and further up the ground.

His best return in front of goal for Benalla was in 2014 and 2018 where he booted 67 goals on both occasions.

The arrival of Warnock will help ease the workload on Ryley Sharp who was the Saints' main tall target up forward this year.

They will boast a lot more marking power this season with Warnock and Sharp alongside either Dawson Simpson and Callum Crisp when resting from the ruck.

"We were probably over reliant on Ryley up forward last year and fairly predictable when we went long into attack," Wales said.

"But we will have three or four different tall marking targets this season which provides a lot more options."

The Saints have also signed Simon Curtis in one of the biggest recruiting coup's of the off-season.

Barton medallist Michael Rampal is also training at McNamara Reserve over the pre-season before deciding on his playing future.

Lachie Dale, Will Quirk and Taylor Hunt are the confirmed departures.

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Wales said the Saints will boast a far superior list to last season.

"It's exciting to land a few high profile recruits and a bit of reward for effort for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes," Wales said.

"But I think most clubs are in the same boat and there have been some quality signings over the off-season.

"It's shaping up to be a cracking competition, that's for sure."

The Saints host Wangaratta Rovers for their season opener.

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