He headlines a quartet making a move from Ballarat league club Ballarat to the Kangaroos.

Hughes had a stand-out season as a tall attacking option for the Swans in 2016, his second year out of under-18.5s.

He kicked 38 goals, but this has been his only full season at senior level in the BFL.

Hughes has played only a handful of games in the past three seasons - none this year - with work impacting on his availability.

Ballarat coach Joe Carmody said the Swans had been hoping to have him back playing next year in their desire to find big forwards.

While the Swans missed out, Carmody wished Hughes all the best in his new football venture.

Waubra coach Matt James said Hughes would provide the Roos with a large presence in front of the football.

"He'll slot in nicely to an even spread of dangerous forwards," he said.

Waubra has also signed past Ballarat player Brandon Schmidt and two youngsters graduating from under-19 ranks, Lachlan Rinaldi and Will Green.

Neither Rinaldi or Green have senior experience with Ballarat.

James said Schmidt would add depth, while Rinaldi and Green would add to a youth policy.

"We've identified we need to continue to instill youth into our senior group.

"We strongly believe youth and speed are integral in being successful in the CHFL," he said.

James, who is entering his third year in charge at Waubra, believes each of the youngsters will be pushing for senior berths from the outset.

These signings follow the return of former best and fairest Nick Dinsdale.

He is back after one season with his home club Heyfield in the North Gippsland league.

Dinsdale helps cover to loss of midfielder Tom Nash to BFL club North Ballarat City.

Nathan Patrikeos is another loss, going to the Ballarat Swans.