You can take the boy out of the Borough, but you can't take the Borough out of the boy.

And even when you take the boy out of the Borough, you know he'll always find his way back again.

One man who will tell you as much is former Collingwood rover Sam Dwyer, who has announced he will continue his football career with Port Melbourne in 2016.

Dwyer, 29, played 96 senior games for the stand alone VFL club between 2005 and 2012. He played a key role in the team's record-breaking 2011 premiership season and used his performances as a springboard onto Collingwood's rookie list at the end of 2012.

"With stellar form at VFL level, highlighted by a 30-possession performance in Collingwood’s Elimination Final win over Werribee, Dwyer has shown his ability to perform has not waivered," wrote Port Melbourne.

"Now a 29-year old, a player of Dwyer’s calibre and experience will be a priceless addition to the Borough’s midfield stocks and leadership ranks."


While the facilities at North Port have undergone an upgrade, many faces will remain familiar, including that of coach Gary Ayres, who led Dwyer's Borough to the flag in 2011.

Dwyer is not the only recent Magpie to confirm his football home for 2016.

Retired wingman Clinton Young will play with Minyip-Murtoa, the club that launched his football career in the Wimmera Football League.

Young announced his retirement from the AFL in October.

Retiree Patrick Karnezis, meanwhile, will line up for West Preston Lakeside in the Northern Football League. Karnezis played four senior games in 2015, but kicked 30 goals in 14 VFL appearances.