Friend coached the Rams in 2014 before departing for Darwin, where he now lives, during the summer.

He made a one-game appearance for Wanderers in division one of the Northern Territory Football League, which plays its season in the summer.

Friend will continue to live in Darwin, but said he would travel down to play several games for Swifts this season.

"I was talking to Swifts coach Paul Hanns during the pre-season because I'm good mates with him and he made me an offer to come down and play," he said.

"Nothing has really changed for me, I love having a kick of the footy and I just want to be involved in the sport.

"Playing up here has given me a new lease of life in the couple of games I've played."

Friend said he could suit up for the Baggies as early as Saturday in the season-opener against Laharum, but had to make sure he was not suspended.

He received a two-week ban for striking Pimpinio's Sam Lehmann in round 17 last year.

He served a week of the suspension in the final round of the season.

Friend said he believed he had served the remainder of the suspension in Darwin and should be free to play on Saturday.

New Natimuk United coach Simon Brearley last month flagged the possibility of Friend returning to the Rams to play a few games this year.

Friend said he was tempted to return to Natimuk United but issues with the club deterred him.

"I definitely wanted to go back to Natimuk, but it's a two-way street and communication lacked on their behalf," he said.

Swifts will be the fourth district league team Friend has played for.

He has previously played for Kalkee, Laharum and Natimuk United.

Friend also played for Wimmera Football League teams Horsham RSL Diggers and Nhill.