Giampaolo, younger brother of Lions captain Jarrett, has signed on to play with the maroon and gold permanently in 2015.

The classy midfielder, who had spent five years with the Roosters, played for Redan on occasion throughout the year when not required for the Roosters.

He played nine home and away matches and a final for Redan, also playing eight matches for North Ballarat.

Redan coach Eammon Gill said having somebody of Giampaolo’s class and experience was a key for the club.

“It’s great to have a player of his quality with us all year round,” Gill said.

“Having him at training twice a week rather than training with the Roosters and just coming back for the odd game is massive.  It will be great for the young guys to have him around and he will really be able to help out a lot.”

Giampaolo is the Lions’ biggest signing for what has been a quiet off-season at City Oval.

He will be joined by Dimboola premiership player Ryan Bell and former under-18 premiership player Ash Ballinger, who have both signed on with Redan.

Bell won the 2013 Wimmera Football League with Dimboola, while Ballinger returns from Western Australia after spending two years away from the club.

Redan bowed out in the preliminary final for the second consecutive season this year, suffering a shock loss to Ballarat.

The club has been quiet on the recruiting front since the end of the season but has retained most of its list.

Former premiership coach Brendan Peace will be one key omission, not playing football in 2015 due to travel.