O'Connell has moved from the Farrer to Hume league with newly-appointed coach Mitch Carroll and is set to make a big impression in the centre square.

O'Connell is also more than capable as a small forward.

He played in a Jerilderie premiership earlier in his career and played in Coleambally's 2016 Farrer League grand final loss to East Wagga-Kooringal.

"He's an inside mid who will be a good player," Lockhart football manager Ian Pertzel said.

"We're speaking to a prospective assistant-coach as well so hopefully that can be sorted out soon."

Lockhart has kept its losses to a minimum with Pertzel giving retired ruckman Neil Irwin "some chance" of playing part of the season.

Star duo Andrew Emery and Jordan Harrington have committed for another season.

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