The 35-year-old, who will turn 36 during the season, said his new environment with the Cats had refreshed him following his time with North Launceston, the Devils back in the VFL days and George Town [as coach], a career which has seen him rack up more than 300 games and play in two TSL premierships.

While there is an element of relaxation with less pressure now on him which he believed would allow him to enjoy his football that little bit more, O'Sign on Wednesday said he understood the strength of the NWFL wouldn't make it a walk in the park.

O'Sign has joined a Wynyard side that is coached by his good friend and fellow former Northern Bomber Beau Sharman, and will act as a forwards coach as well as a "sounding board" for Sharman in his second year in charge of the Cats.

"My motivation is at its optimum at the moment and I am keen to contribute and keen to pass on my expertise to the footy club, just due to the fact this group is well respected and committed,'' O'Sign said.

"I think it [the NWFL] is probably the best comp in Tasmania from what I am seeing at Wynyard training and the other practice matches on the Coast, and that is a challenge in itself to get up for those games knowing that.

"And while I will relax, it will be about sitting back and enjoying it and taking it one week at a time as it is nice not to have that full commitment as a coach that I have previously had [rather than relaxing completely as a player].

"I'm really enjoying my time at Wynyard and walking through the doors it has been a breath of fresh air really.

"This will probably be the last part of my footy career as a player, but I still think I can contribute in many ways and the group is obviously a committed group with some kids who will be there for a long time."

Wynyard will open its 2021 campaign with a home twilight encounter on Saturday against Penguin.

The first bounce will be at 4.50pm.