THE Hamilton Kangaroos are set for a boost in 2025 with three-time Maskell Medallist, Levi Dare, returning to the club, as it pushes up the ladder towards an inaugural Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) finals appearance.

Dare spent 2019-2021 at the Roos, before shifting to Alvie in the Colac and District Football and Netball League to play with family.

The ruckman returned to the blue and white last year, playing two games last year, with the Roos set to benefit from his services for the full 2025 campaign.

Dare told The Spectator that his connection with Roos coach, Brad Thomas, made it an obvious decision.

“It was a pretty easy decision in the end, obviously I live in Hamilton and have been playing away for a couple of years,” he said.

“While the body is good, I still want to play some decent footy while I can.”

Partnering up with one of the youngest midfields in the league was also appealing, with Dare set to feed the likes of Rory Gill (23), Ethan Knight (20), Jack English (24), Vincent Huf (20) and Deacon White (19).

“I have been able to see their development coming along and looking forward to getting involved full time,” he said.

“Just helping their midfield group with their structures and setups, hopefully I can give them some first use out of the middle.

“I think in the back of your mind, the club is just wanting development, whether it is one or two more wins, or the finals berth

“I play to win and want to try and help them win as many games as possible.”

Dare’s experience will also be valuable across the ground, with a mature body around the ball.

“It is certainly something that has been mentioned between me and Brad, that is what he is looking to get, to get that bit more experience.”

With the local working full time with Thomas, some discussions were had during the 2024 season, before both parties pushed towards an agreement for next year.

“Working for Brad, he has been at me for a while, but not at me too hard,” he said.

“We had a couple of chats, let me get the season out of the way and had a couple of sit downs at the end of September, took a couple of months to think about it, with a young family to talk it through with.”

The ruckman, who turns 35 in December, has also had a good run with his fitness in recent years, and expects to play out the full season.

“I am hoping that’s behind me, I have only missed one game since my knee surgery in the 2019 season through injury, the body has been good,” he said.

Dare’s return to the club also coincides with games returning to Melville Oval, which adds excitement to the 2025 campaign.

“It is a big drawcard to have that facility up and going, I am certainly looking forward to getting out there,” he said.

“I think it is something there that will help draw new people to the club.”

Thomas said it was good to have the commitment from Dare, and was excited about what he’d offer around the club.

“It is bloody good,” he said.

“No doubt I have got to know him really well and where we are trying to go as a footy club, what he can bring from Under-14s all the way up, helping with development and things like that.

“He has a big presence on the field, but there is so much more than that.”

The 34-year-old’s on-field addition will also play a big role in the way the Roos set up during games.

“He is going to five you first use, especially when we get back on Melville Oval,” Thomas said.

“He will be a big part of that contested ball and stoppage work.

“It is just good to get another young family into the club though.”

Dare’s addition also means Cameron Whyte can play a more versatile role during games.

“Within the four walls, we are all very excited about the development and where we are going,” Thomas said.

“Levi’s signature does help that, but the group is thriving at the moment and he will bring some extra excitement to supporters.”