In some welcome news after a tumultuous off-season, Daly returns to the club after a stint with Leeton-Whitton.

Daly departed Birallee Park at the end of 2019 because of work commitments after more than 50 senior matches.

Raiders coach Marc Almond said Daly had already proven himself to be more than a handy performer as a defender in the O&M.

"When I was part of the Raiders' coaching staff under Daryn Cresswell, Alex was starting his O&M career and I always regarded him as a player with high potential," Almond said.

"I think in 2019 before he left he had a breakout season in defence.

"From all reports he had another solid season in the Riverina league last year and is a proven performer at the higher standard of the O&M.

"It's no secret that we lack key position players and Alex will fill one of the key defensive posts.

"He is also regarded as a local player who is popular amongst the players and I know the group is excited to have him back at the club."

The Raiders have been the club hit hardest by departures over the off-season.

Triple best and fairest winner Jydon Neagle, Steve Jolliffe, Connor Newnham, Scott Meyer, siblings Dylan and Hayden Clarke and Declan Everett have all found new homes.

The Raiders announced the signings of Western Australian recruit Dale Cox and Jason Burke before Christmas.

Burke played alongside Daly at Leeton-Whitton last year.

Almond said he will look towards the Raiders' exciting crop of youngsters forming a major part of the club's rebuild.

"Alex's experience is a bonus because we are going to have a super young group this year," he said.

"We are about building for the next few years and Alex will play a big role in that.

"We have got eight or nine kids trying out for the Bushrangers at the moment which is a credit to the club's junior development program.

"I don't think there would be too many other clubs that would be able to boast those sorts of numbers.

"The young talent at Raiders has always been one of their biggest strengths but I don't think it has ever been as strong as it is now which is exciting from a coaching perspective.

"It's no secret that we have lost some top-end talent after hovering around that top-five for several years.

"Sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward.

"In my opinion we are in a really good position to build a list for sustained success."

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Almond didn't rule out several more signings.

"We have missed out on a fair few so far," he said.

"But we have got the points and budget to accommodate recruits who we feel will be a good fit for the group."

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