Tuminello, who originally hung up the boots for season 2015 due to work commitments as a doctor, is now a chance to play a handful of Ballarat Football League games for the Lakers.

It is not yet known exactly how many matches the dominant ruckman will play, but Lake Wendouree coach Gavin Webb said anything would be a bonus.

He said he hoped Tuminello could play about six or eight games for the year, although he would train in Melbourne.

“It’s certainly not going to be 12 or 14 games; it’s a month-to-month thing really.

“You’d be crazy not to take him up on his offer when he rang us. It’s a bonus, but it’s not like we are putting all our hopes on him.”

Tuminello, who has won the Lakers’ past two best and fairest awards, has arguably been the club’s most important player in recent seasons.

His absence seemed destined to be filled by North Ballarat Roosters-listed ruckman Jackson Bowen this year, but now the two appear set to form a formidable duo in a league somewhat devoid of ruckmen this year.

“It basically gives us two genuine ruckmen when they are together, and ruckmen are pretty hard to come by,” Webb said.

Meanwhile, 2014 co-captain Brent Olszewski looks likely to miss the entire season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.

Olszewski, who shared the captaincy duties with Tuminello last year, had battled shoulder issues last year before he went under the knife.

Webb said there was a chance he could come back, but he was not expecting the veteran to play this year.

Boom recruit and former GWS player Steve Clifton has been appointed captain in his first year back at his home club, also filling an assistant coaching role.