The Warrack Eagles are hopeful Kyle Cheney's Wimmera league appearance in round seven was a glimpse of the future.
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The former AFL player starred for the Eagles in their 37 point loss to Minyip-Murtoa, booting two goals and getting named second in the best.
While his return was just a one-off for the 2019 season, Warrack Eagles president Chris Taylor was hopeful Cheney would return to the club permanently in the future.
"We would love to have him back permanently and we will definitely be chasing him," Taylor said.
"He has indicated that he would like to return at some stage while he is still fully fit, to play a full season with his brother Jacob. Hopefully that can happen in the future."
Cheney reportedly considered a return to his home club after being delisted by the Adelaide Crows following the 2018 AFL season.
But Cheney's wife fell pregnant and the 85-gamer instead opted to stay in South Australia and play for Handhorf in the Hills Football League.
Taylor said the club approached Cheney to play against the Burras after they heard he was attending for returning players day.
"We heard he was coming back for the day and we took the opportunity to see if Handhorf would allow him to play with us," Taylor said.
"Seeing as it was his home club they let him come back for just the one game."
Taylor said a tremendous part of Cheney's return was the leadership he provided to some younger players in the side.
"Some of the younger kids had grown up watching him play AFL, and some of them were Hawthorn fans so they were really excited," Taylor said.
"For our young guys, like Charlie Penny or guys like that, they sort of worshiped the ground he walks on, so getting the opportunity to run out alongside him was a real thrill.
"It was good to see he took on a bit of a leadership role out there as well, so he was giving direction and I think the playing group learned a lot off him."