Thomson, the brother of Victorian Bushrangers-listed youngster Blake, has committed to a move back to the Ballarat Cricket Association, where he will serve as a sidekick to new skipper Darren Fletcher.

Fletcher has returned to the Mounties this year after a stint with Skipton.

Arriving from Victorian Premier Cricket club Melbourne, Thomson is a product of East Ballarat, where he began his senior cricket career.

Now 22, the talented all-rounder is a huge boost to a Mounties outfit looking to improve on their semi-final exit from the premiership race last season.

“The prospect for Darcy to develop at the Mt Clear Cricket Club is endless,” club secretary Aaron Burfurd said.

“He has taken on a junior coaching role and hopes to develop this into a senior position in the future along with his leadership skills on field and willingness to learn off field.”

Another of Mt Clear’s key recruits this year is Patrick Graham.

The 17-year-old is a tall left-arm pace bowler, who hails from Carranballac Cricket Club.

He played two games with the Mounties on permit last season, but is fully on board for the upcoming campaign.

“Having Darcy and Patrick added to our bowling stocks along with the development of Grant Trevenen, is exciting for the club’s future with the retirement of Daniel Hopkinson,” Burfurd said.

Mt Clear will open its 2016-17 season with a clash against reigning premiers Golden Point on October 8.