The North Central football league's reigning best and fairest Mitchell Gleeson has signed for the Panthers, after a career-best year with Charlton.

Gleeson claimed the Feeny medal as the league's best and fairest playing as an under-sized ruckman.

Gleeson said he was determined to help Rupanyup return to finals for the first time since 2012.

"I know Rupanyup haven't been that successful recently, but the attraction was to go there and try to help bring them back into finals," Gleeson said.

"I've heard really good things about the club, the town and the environment around there, so it was an exciting prospect."

Gleeson was attracted to Rupanyup through a connection with assistant coach Elliot Kelly.

While he had a sensational season in the ruck at Charlton, Gleeson said he expected to play more of a midfield role for the Panthers.

"I was initially recruited to Charlton as a midfield-forward type, then just out of necessity, halfway through 2018 they threw me into the ruck," he said.

RELATED: Jack Musgrove re-signs to lead Rupanyup in 2020

"I was a bit standoffish in the beginning, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My ability to cover the ground sort of gave me an advantage over the bigger guys.

"I might play ruck a little bit, but I think next season they see me as more of a midfielder, trying to push forward and hit the scoreboard.

"Hopefully I can really help the club out."

The Panthers have also secured Darwin recruit Jimmy Mcmurtrie for a full season, after he played two games with the club in 2019.

Mcmurtrie boasts the experience of playing 13 games in the Northern Territory Football League's premier division in 2018.

Rupanyup coach Jack Musgrove said he was hopeful of having more signings "within the next week".

"I expect many more to come. We're working really hard to fill out our depth and bolster our stocks," Musgrove said.

"It's going really well and I'm really excited about the season ahead."

On the other side of things, Musgrove confirmed the club's two-time leading goalkicker Trent Grant was departing after three seasons with the club.

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