The Bulldogs have welcomed Ness back to Maher Oval after five seasons away, overseas and in Queensland.

The 27-year-old returned to Australia last week and will remain in Wagga for the football season, where he is excited to link back up with the Bulldogs.

"I can't wait, to be honest," Ness said.

"I had a pretty good opportunity, externally to footy, to come home and see the family.

"Curl (Carroll) gave me a ring and the opportunity went from there."

Ness was a teenager in Turvey Park's 2010 grand final team and was one of the Bulldogs' best players during a tough period before his move to Brisbane.

He won a QFA division one premiership in 2016 during his three years with Coorparoo.

He returned home for a one-off best-on-ground performance in 2018 before heading overseas.

Ness continued to follow the Bulldogs' results while away.

"I kept an eye on them, even when I was in Brisbane I would always keep an eye on how they were going," he said.

"I've maintained a good relationship with the guys there, having played juniors there. They've got a young, enthusiastic list. It's exciting."

Turvey Park co-coach Mark Carroll is thrilled to have Ness on board.

"We're very excited," Carroll said.

"He'll be good. Matt hasn't been at the club for a few years but to get him back is great for us.

"He's a great kid and is the perfect fit for us. We're keen to get some more experience through the midfield and that's where he'll play."

Carroll is looking forward to having a Ness back at the Bulldogs.

"He's 27 and a Turvey junior, it's what we want," he said.

"When I think of Turvey Park, Terry Ness is what I think of. I know he was president for a while, he's a good person to go with it and it will be great to have the family back at the club."

Turvey Park finished sixth this season and have welcomed Ness and Tyler Cunningham back to the club.

Their only departures to date are full-forward Clint Shields, who has returned home to Victoria, and Mitch Sykes to Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

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