Since returning home, he's slotted into the senior football team, stepped up as the club's junior vice-president and started coaching the juniors side.

The clubman's work off the field was recently recognised with a Hindmarsh Shire Council youth award.

Dahlenberg said the young sportsperson award was unexpected.

"It was a bit of a surprise. I only found out the other day," he said. "I dare say that it's more because I put my hand up for volunteer roles and to help out with the juniors."

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Dahlenberg started teaching at Nhill College last year after finishing his studies in Bendigo. The returning Tiger said he approached the chance to coach the club's under-12 team as a way to expand on his work at the school.

"I think being a teacher one of the most important things is for the kids to know that we're human as well and by seeing me outside of school they can understand that," he said.

A move into the junior vice-president role eventuated when a callout for new committee members initially fell on deaf ears.

"At the club's AGM they were after some new members and noone was really putting their hand up at one stage," Dahlenberg said.

"So I jumped at the opportunity because I just wanted to help out and I didn't like seeing that noone else wanted to do it. But, now everyone's jumped on board, and it's great to have so many happy to help out."

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Now in his second year back, the Tiger said he'd enjoyed being home.

"Everyone knows everyone and helps out with each and everything to do with the club," Dahlenburg said.

"There's a great community feel here that's sometimes hard to find."

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