And the 32-year-old's relocation to from Wagga to Leeton has paved the way for the midfielder to make a return and add some valuable experience to a young group.

Boots and fellow veteran Bryce O'Garey have been massive late additions for new coach Sam Darley. Boots was pleasantly surprised with his fitness and skills in his first game since winning the 2019 Hume League grand final with Osborne in last week's loss to Griffith.

Leeton-Whitton will look for their first win of the year when they host unbeaten Coolamon on Saturday.

"I only intended on playing ressies living in Wagga, but it turns out we're moving back to Leeton so I thought 'why not?'," he said.

"I still feel like I can play at the top level, and I've got the passion to play first grade footy. I watched a fair few games last year and had all intentions of retiring, but watching them I was jumping out of my skin and ready to run onto the field.

"I hadn't really touched a footy since 2019, but (last week) I thought the skills were still there and I was happy with that.

"The tank was fairly good too I think but I've always tried to stay fit, it's just something I like to do.

"I only had the one training run before the game but there's some good talent there."

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Boots said Darley, who played 20 AFL games for the Giants and Bulldogs, has the ideal traits to lead a young side.

"He's got that professional aspect to him. He's played at a pretty high level and has brought that to Leeton and that's been really good," he said.

"He speaks and motivates really well which is important for a young team. He has a great work rate on the track as well and gets the best out of the young guys.

"If we get our strongest team on the team I'm sure we'll be up there with the rest of them."

The Crows will welcome back Angus Crelley and Nathan Ryan from Giants Academy commitments, while O'Garey is expected to play after pulling up sore during last week's match.

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