Andrews returns to the Tigers
Dual premiership ruckman Mitch Andrews will train with Claremont next week as the Tigers attempt to mark their return to their original home ground with another finals campaign.
Andrews has been travelling overseas and did not plan to come back to Perth this year.
But after a brief return to Australia a month ago, he told the Tigers he had changed his plans and intended to return at the start of the season.
Andrews, 27, is expected to train with Claremont next Wednesday, but is not likely to be considered for league selection until Easter at the earliest.
"Mitch indicated to us a month ago that he was interested in playing again," Claremont football manager Dean Horsington said.
"We kept jumper No.24 free just in case and we are delighted that he will play on."
Andrews' late start mirrors his arrival at Claremont in 2011 when he was plucked from amateur team Whitford midway through the season to replace injured ruckman Andrew Ruck.
Andrews went on to win a flag that season and add another in 2012 after just 28 matches.
He was initially recruited by West Perth after impressing when playing for Queensland in the State match against WA in Townsville in 2008.
He was one of 24 premiership players to have left Claremont in the past two years, but has now matched dual premiership midfielder Andrew Foster in making a surprise return to the WAFL.
Andrews is likely to be considered for selection around the time Claremont play their first match at Claremont Showground, their home for the next two years and the location of their first season in 1926. He is one of several senior players to reverse their decisions to retire or not play this year.
Andrew Krakouer will play for West Perth as soon as he is fit to run out a league match.
Swan Districts were pleased when key forward Tim Geappen ended his brief retirement.
And the WAFL's most senior umpire, Stuart Parry, also has reversed his decision to hang up his whistle.
