Ballarat has lured premiership pair Nigel and Joe Otto back into the red and white after a season at Beaufort.

Nigel Otto, 26, returns to the Red Onion Ballarat Football League as a playing assistant coach at the Swans.

 First year senior coach Ash Baker said Otto would also have a variety of roles on the field as well.

“Nigel spent a couple of years overseas. We were keen to get him back at the start of last year but he wanted a year at Beaufort beside his brothers,” he said.

At various times during his previous stint at Ballarat, Nigel Otto played as a key defender against a number of the BFL’s best spearheads, as a marking forward and as a midfielder

“We’re glad to have him back. He is so versatile,” Baker said. 

“That’s what makes him a very handy footballer. 

“I’d like to have 18 of him but he’ll play where we need him in any given game.”

Joe, 24, who left as a small forward also returns as a more versatile footballer,The Simonds Swans have a number of positions up for grabs, with former playing coach Shane Hutchinson travelling, Tom Anson shifting to Albury and Garrett Liston overseas.

Baker said it was difficult to tell if the Swans would be stronger or not this season.

“We’ll be looking at players like Mitch Rodd, James Lukich, Alex Stepnell and Nathan Patrikeos to step up. They all played finals last year,” he said.

The Swans will have their first practice match on March 16, against Geelong Football League side Colac.

gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au