Taylor, a former Swifts player and most recently returned to the region from playing in the Northern Territory, will start pre-season with the Wimmera league club in early November.

Taylor said he was looking forward to the new challenge and playing back in the Wimmera league.

"I played some seasons at the Warriors as a junior and got a feel for the standard of football," he said.

"I wanted to have a crack back in the Wimmera League. It will be a whole new club for me and new coaches and I'm excited about what I can learn."

Taylor said his move away to play for St Mary's in Darwin and the opportunity to play for NT Thunder gave him the courage to make a move most would see to be out of their comfort zone.

"The move definitely gave me the confidence to try new things," he said.

READ MORE: Former Swifts footballer Ben Taylor returns home after playing for St Mary's and and NEAFL team NT Thunder

"When I moved back I wanted to keep my football at a high standard.

"I've had a good break and have also been doing my own training but looking forward to getting onto the park with the boys."

The Rats have not yet announced a coach for the 2020 season, an issue Taylor said wasn't a turn off at all.

"I think that speaks of the club itself," he said.

"I was confident and comfortable with the work which was going on to find a coach.

"It doesn't matter if you move clubs or a new coach comes in. You have to play and earn the respect so it really didn't cross my mind when signing at the club."

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.