Griffith have received a massive boost just a week out from the start of the Riverina League season with the return of Heath Northey.
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The classy midfielder looked lost to the Swans after moving to Sydney for employment reasons but decided this week to re-sign with the club.
Northey will travel from Sydney to line-up for a third season with the Swans, who hope to go one better and break Griffith's 16-year premiership drought.
Griffith coach Will Griggs was excited by Northey's decision.
"It's a very handy get," Griggs said.
"He was fantastic for us last year and it's very hard to come by big-bodied midfielders like him so we're very excited by that.
"He's a very classy player and especially with a question mark over Guy (Orton) and how much he'll be able to play, we needed another experienced body."
Orton, a two-time Jim Quinn Medallist, is awaiting results on a scan on his back and could be sidelined for the year.
But in another boost for Griffith, they have also welcomed back key defender Ash Verhagen.
Verhagen played 15 games for the Swans in 2017, after moving from Mooroopna. He also previously played at Charles Sturt University.
He moved away after the one season but has returned to Griffith.
"He turned up to training and said I've moved back," Griggs explained.
"He's another big body as well. They're two pretty handy pick ups late."
Griffith will open their season with a trip to Crossroads Oval on Saturday week for a grand final rematch against Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
The Swans have reappointed James Toscan as captain and elevated teenager Isaac Campbell to vice-captain after a breakout 2018 season.
"He won runner up best and fairest last year playing on a wing and has a lot of promise," Griggs said.
The decision by Northey to return means the Swans have only lost the two players from last year's campaign in Riley Irvin and Sam Foley.
Ben King will be a late starter, while Orton's season is up in the air.
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