Thoolen shapes as a game changer for the Burra in the upcoming Ballarat Football League season.

Sebastoopol football manager Shawne Dummett said it was sometime since the Burra had had a player with the physical presence of Thoolen.

"He's just what we need. A big bloke with experience."

Thoolen is not completely new to Ballarat.

The Melbourne-based 196cm 29-year-old played with North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL in 2017.

He again makes the move from Swan Hill in the Central Murray League, where he played in 2015 and 2016.

Just as it was the linchpin in getting Thoolen to the Roosters, his friendship with Luke Kiel has been the key in Sebastopol securing his services.

Kiel has joined Sebastopol this season after playing with Geelong in the VFL last year.

Dummett said the Burra had landed Thoolen by chance after learning he was not planning to return to Swan Hill again this season.

"It's a real bonus."

He will cover the loss of James Richards, who has moved to Warrnambool after doing the bulk of the ruck work for Sebastopol last year.

Thoolen is originally from Swan Hill, which is also Kiel's hometown, and played with Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup under-18 competition.

Collingwood selected him with pick 47 in the  2007 AFL national draft and was on the Magpies' list for two years without playing an AFL game.

He went on to spend time at Frankston and Port Melbourne in the VFL before returning to Swan Hill.

Meanwhile, Brett Goodes has recommitted to another season with Sebastopol.

Now working in Melbourne, this will be the former Western Bulldogs player's fourth season at Marty Busch Reserve.

Goodes has played 34 games with the Burra after a couple of injury issues over the past two years.

Sebastopol finished seventh last year - missing finals by just one game.

The Burra will open its home and away season against Ballarat Swans under lights at home on Saturday, April 13.