Rupanyup sign Shannon Rioli and Leroy Larson for the 2020 Horsham District football league season

Shannon Rioli - cousin of the AFL's Cyril, Daniel and Willie Rioli - and centre-half forward Leroy Larson have signed with the Panthers for the 2020 Horsham District football league season.

Across the summer, the duo play for St Mary's in the premier division of the Northern Territory Football League, with Rioli captaining the side.

Rioli has also played in six premierships with St Mary's, including one with Rupanyup head coach Jack Musgrove.

Musgrove said the new signings had created a serious buzz around the club.

"Everyone is pretty up and about at the moment - (Rioli) is obviously a pretty big name in the football community," Musgrove said.

"Bringing these blokes in is obviously going to bring that hype, and hopefully give blokes around the club that have been there for a while a bit more spark at training and something to be really excited about."

Rioli has also previously captained the now-disbanded Northern Territory Thunder in the NEAFL.

"I've played a fair bit of footy with him and he is a top bloke as well," Musgrove said.

"It should be really good for our young boys coming through to get a little bit of leadership and guidance from him."

Musgrove said the duo should be available to play a "minimum of 10" games throughout the season.

Rupanyup have also signed Musgrove's younger brother Mitch, and returning Panthers Brett Niewand and Cameron Ruwoldt.

With Rioli, Larson and North Central football league star Mitch Gleeson signing on, the Panthers will be optimistic about playing finals for the first time since 2012.

Musgrove said he was excited about the prospect of Rioli, Gleeson, ruckman Timothy Tyler and assistant coach Elliot Kelly combining through the middle.

"We've been struggling a little bit through the midfield, so this takes a lot of pressure off guys like Elliot," Musgrove said.

"We've also lacked depth the last couple of years, so we're hoping having a bit of competition for spots will help breed some success.

"It's good to have a few local boys coming back as well. It's a good mix of local boys and a few imports at the moment."

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.